This document is the annual effectiveness improvements report for Austin Community College in 2003. The report summarizes which improvements have been implemented and whether they have been successful or not. The seven areas of improvement that are looked at are: (1) workforce education; (2) transfer programs; (3) continuing education; (4) adult…

This guide provides an outline of the components necessary in a written evaluation plan for vocational education programs. The four components that a plan for evaluation should include are described. The first component, the specific goals of the evaluation process, is divided into these two sections determined by the type of evaluation conducted:…

This case study shows how testing in Mississippi is used as an effective part of a statewide accountability and instructional improvement program. By using criterion-referenced testing as one aspect of a program evaluation requirement, Mississippi is basing instructional improvement on student performance. (Author)

Summarizes a case-study evaluating the UNESCO Associated Schools Project in Poland. The educational objectives of the project, the learning activities used in the elementary and secondary schools, and the results of the evaluation are discussed. Future plans stress the improvement of teaching methods. (AM)

Program reviews for alumni administration are advocated. Cooperative planning; creating a formal study committee for sorting out ideas, getting preliminary direction, reviewing past programs, and discussing possible changes; program evaluation; and encouraging change are discussed. (MLW)

Flexner's report on the procedures, agents, and effects of medical school accreditation emphasizes common sense and unstructured observation, rather than objective social science. Flexner would probably declare that lay people, rather than the National Education Association or the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, should…

Describes the analysis of "Strengths and Weaknesses and Opportunities and Threats" (SWOT). Discusses the study, "Gemeinhardt 4," that used the SWOT analysis to determine 13 different types of music programs. Addresses how music teachers can utilize this information. Includes other sections such as, "Possible Solution to Music Program Threats."…

Provides background on the general issues of performance assessment and suggests intervention strategies for department chairs. (KEH)

Describes the creation of a set of outcome assessment guidelines recently developed for college and university theater programs. Categorizes outcomes in three ways: knowledge, skills, and attitudes. (KEH)

Emphasizes the importance of such language program evaluation aspects as cultural preservation, funding, and language revitalization through a case example of a Canadian program teaching Saskatchewan Indian languages. (CB)

Interpretation, assimilation, and adjustment to the Utah Career Ladder Program and the extent to which these responses reflect fundamental changes in the structure of teacher work were assessed. Promotional positions and differentiated salaries--distinctive features of a career ladder--were being compromised at all levels of the system. (SLD)

The Vocational Education Resource System (VERS) helps career/vocational educators, counselors, and administrators improve and expand programs for special populations. It offers technical assistance in program administration, instructional strategies, finances, accountability, and grant writing. VERS maintains a regional database of educators,…

Describes the standards and guidelines developed for learning assistance programs by the Committee for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS), and those for program components by the National Association of Developmental Education (NADE). Suggests how they can be used to identify needs and improve existing services. (VWC)