That theoretical debates and developments in organizational analysis can be a source of inspiration for evaluation utilization research is explored through consideration of the societal function of evaluation and its historical development. A discussion of policy evaluation in Danish political administration illustrates evaluation theory and…

Describes Kodaly-based music programs. Focuses on three problems with this instruction method: (1) when one or more beliefs are focused upon to the detriment of the program as a whole; (2) the Kodaly program was created in a different culture and time; and (3) the program's emphasis on specific musical skills is limiting. (CMK)

Describes the development of a Technology Teaching Lab that was designed to provide elementary education preservice teachers with instruction to create technology-enhanced lessons and to use the lessons in their field placement. Discusses planning the lab, integrating the lab component into methods courses, and evaluation. (LRW)

Describes evaluation checklists developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) for use by school library resource centers. Separate checklists are described for teacher-librarians, school administrators, district and regional library directors, teachers,…

Discusses the following aspects of educational evaluation: (1) structural changes; (2) conceptual changes; (3) mixed methods and unraveling consensus; (4) utilization of findings; (5) the role of values; and (6) the role of politics. Discusses how evaluation moved from monolithic to pluralistic, reflecting the change from consensus to pluralism in…

The praxis orientation is proposed as an approach to school-based evaluation that enables professionals to understand power relationships and act toward empowerment of the local school community. The orientation is offered as an alternative to the positivist power-control approach, which is critiqued. (TJH)

The duplex design is proposed for educational assessment within a state school system. For individual students, scaled proficiency measures that are suitable for guidance and certification at various levels of attainment are provided. For classrooms or larger units, the design can supply group level measures for evaluation and research. (SLD)

The process of developing program evaluation models for Florida International University's college of education is described. One lesson learned was that a combination of macro- and microlevel planning is necessary for purposeful evaluation. A grid to aid decision making is also presented. (Author/MSE)

This discussion of assistive technology (AT) provides case studies, a definition of AT, and consideration of its benefits and challenges. The Assistive Technology Project, a two-year qualitative study, looked at AT evaluation, funding and acquisition, training, daily use, factors affecting implementation, and demands on school personnel. (DB)

A committee of major education partners in Saskatchewan developed a curriculum evaluation program to monitor the effectiveness of new provincial curricula. The program recommends gathering data from students, teachers, and school administrators. Assessment strategies include qualitative and quantitative information collected in a variety of ways.…

The American Optometric Association's current review of procedures for accrediting optometric residencies is discussed. Reasons for the review (projected growth of programs and revised standards) are discussed, procedures currently in place for accrediting programs in osteopathy, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, and optometry are summarized; and…

A college professor who desired to practice what she preached and an elementary teacher who wanted to observe a hands-on science curriculum on a day-to-day basis form a teaching partnership. They offer insights on their successes, obstacles, and methods for improving hands-on science programs. (ZWH)

Protocols for evaluating programs in Quebec universities are described. The evolution of the system is reviewed, and policies and procedures for assessing both new and existing programs, both internally and externally, are outlined. (MSE)

An explanation of the periodic evaluation of Laval University (Canada) programs begins with an outline of the university's organizational structure and administrative bodies. The justification, objectives, and scope of the evaluation policy are then described, and some benefits and problems are discussed. (MSE)

First, the role of the association of universities in the Netherlands in external institutional evaluation is examined. Then, three basic tenets of program assessment are discussed: (1) university programs must be of academic quality; (2) program content must not be too compressed; and (3) programs should be challenging for students. (MSE)