This paper explores a new approach to the evaluation of educational technologies by using Eisner's connoisseurship model. This model has two essential features in program evaluation: holistic approach to the analysis and interpretation of data and multiple perspectives in the evaluative tasks (Eisner, 1998). Using Eisner's model, the key…

The integration of technology into the curriculum is a key issue in today's schools. Whether technology should be used in schools is no longer an issue. Instead, the current emphasis is ensuring that technology is used effectively to create new opportunities for learning and to promote student achievement (The North Regional Educational…

In September 1993 the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released a handbook to assist school- and community-based practitioners in designing and conducting evaluations of drug- and violence-prevention programs funded under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). A study was undertaken to assess the level of customer satisfaction with…

This paper presents a report of research on the evaluation of systemic reform of education in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET), focusing on the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSIs) that have been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 1991. The main purpose of the study was to develop recommendations for the…

This document contains the distance learning evaluator training program of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is intended for the following audiences: institutions considering or actually undergoing reaccreditation; new accrediting commission evaluators; and trained evaluators. The following are among the topics covered in…

School counselors are expected to enhance the school environment so that students can reach their full potential. Some of the tools that counselors need to implement a comprehensive school counseling program are detailed in this resource manual. It offers specific ideas on how to start programs and it includes sample instruments for gathering data…

School-based outdoor and experiential programs face an increasing demand from outside interests for research-based accountability. This paper suggests that both research and practice are strengthened by researcher-practitioner partnerships and by practitioners conducting their own research. Three modest qualitative research designs are explored as…

This document contains five papers examining evaluation concepts and practice in selected distance education (DE) institutions. "Preface" (Harish Rathore, Rudolf Schuemer) defines evaluation in DE and provides an overview of the evaluation philosophies, agendas, and methodologies discussed in the five papers. "Evaluation Practices at the Indira…

Noting that both the college and the collaborating schools gain from early field placement (prior to student teaching) in education programs, this paper presents a prototype for early placement practicums based on 10 years experience in providing practicums for reading methods courses for Medgar Evers College, City University of New York…

Drawing on recent research in brain development, the public schools district in Daviess County, Kentucky, has developed a comprehensive program with the purpose of increasing students' capacity for learning and achievement. The program called Graduation 2010 was conceived by educators and members of the community during 1997. The eight components,…

This report discusses the activities and outcomes an inservice training model. This model was designed to help states provide ongoing training to early intervention, early childhood, and vision personnel. The focus is on personnel that specialize inserving visually impaired children from time of birth to age five. The purpose of the project is to…

This directory is one of five which together describe almost 1200 discretionary grants and contracts currently supported by the Research to Practice Division of the Office of Special Education Programs under the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This document covers grants and contracts in two program…

Reflection and evaluation are key to improving the effectiveness of the school library resource center (LRC). The idea of measuring success may seem initially daunting, or even threatening, and be seen as yet another call on already limited time, but we should not be put off: much of the information required is already there, either explicit or…

In the year 2003, the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (BTSA) will become a mandatory credentialing program for California's new teachers. At a local level, the Riverside, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program (RIMS/BTSA) is one of 147 BTSA programs. Now entering its eighth year, the RIMS/BTSA…

Within the past 2 decades, the nature of school and university partnerships has changed so that collaboration now represents a real opportunity to make systemic change and improvement. A number of factors influence the success or failure of such collaborations: (1) shared goals; (2) institutional differences; (3) assessment and accountability; (4)…