In the article, some countries' experience in organizing professional training and activities of probation officers has been analyzed. Based on comparative analysis of activities of the Probation Institute abroad, it has been determined that probation service has different functional and organizational features in individual countries. For…

A pilot study investigated and developed the potential contribution of self-assessment procedures in the regulation of British day nurseries. Inspection staff in four local authorities used day-care self-assessment materials adapted for inspection purposes. Results suggested that self-assessment incorporated with inspection and development work…

The Head of Inspection Services for the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (Great Britain) comments on the licensing scheme's first year and implications for five sectors of adventure providers. Summarizes responses to a proposed "nonstatutory approval scheme" that would be available on a voluntary basis to providers of outdoor and…

Describes how an institution seeking to improve its course quality can conduct a collective self-evaluation based on an internally designed checklist. The article maintains that this self-evaluation may be used to prepare for an external inspection or built into the institution's on-going program of staff development. (nine references) (Author/CK)

This paper outlines some of the general characteristics of current LEA (Local Educational Agency)-inspired self-evaluation schemes and suggests that they may be usefully viewed from an organizational development standpoint. The construction and use of a self-evaluation instrument which was informed by such a perspective is briefly described.…

Using "A Study of Student Choice in Context of Institutional Change (SCIC)" is an example of an evaluation using social anthropological methods. The problems of confidentiality, rapport, evaluator autonomy, and unclear preconditions are discussed and illustrated. (BW)

Describes self-evaluation techniques used to evaluate a British eight-form, entry, 11-18 comprehensive school's science department. The evaluation was conducted after the author completed an inservice course on self-evaluation of science departments. The course was based on a book "Decisions in the Science Department: Organization and…

Argues for effective self-review by science departments as a powerful tool for improving the learning environment. Recommends a variety of possible self-review methods to obtain a balance between consolidation and innovation. (DDR)

Part of a larger study of the educational significance of departmental resource centers in higher education, this survey aimed at quantifying, validating, and supplementing information gathered through other means. Information collected on each center includes resources in its collection, use of resources, feedback and evaluation activities, and…

Begun in 1977, British efforts toward school improvement through monitoring and accountability have failed, partly because of the failure of school self-evaluation and teacher resistance to monitoring and concern about professional autonomy. However, inspectors, researchers, and teachers have increased our understanding of school effectiveness.…

Describes a British government study of self-evaluation procedures used by local educational authorities. A survey of self-evaluation policies in 104 school districts revealed a variety of approaches. Findings indicate a need to further define the evaluations' objectives, increase teacher participation, and increase staff development training. (AM)

The GRIDS (Guidelines for Review and Internal Development in Schools) is a 5-stage model which has been used in 15 British local education authorities. This article describes the stages, identifies the model's benefits, offers an analysis of comments about the initial review stage, considers staff training, and shows the model's usefulness for…

The Index for Inclusion is a compilation of materials to support British schools in the process of inclusive school development. Part 1 introduces the Index, then identifies the following key concepts: inclusion, barriers to learning and participation, resources to support learning and participation, and support for diversity. Part 1 then…

Discusses the purposes of assessment of outdoor education in the context of the British national curriculum. Describes objectives of outdoor education: teaching problem solving, awareness of effects of one's actions on others and the environment, and concern for the safety of self and others. Asserts that outdoor educators must help participants…

This article describes how one British school is using subject department Special Educational Needs (SEN) reviews to improve their educational practices. The school's commitment to inclusive education and the ways in which the strategy of using subject department SEN reviews focuses upon teaching and learning styles are discussed. (Author/CR)