The first of a three-part series, this article discusses the objectives and legal requirements for appraisal systems and identifies potential problem sources. Performance appraisal is seen as a managerial tool that can improve the performance of individuals and units. (Author/IRT)

Describes a graphical user interface called IFM (Intelligent File Manipulator) that provides intelligent help to users. Explains two underlying reasoning mechanisms, one an adaptation of human plausible reasoning and one that performs goal recognition based on the effects of users' commands; and presents results of an empirical study that…

Explores and deconstructs the meanings of responsive evaluation, suggesting the many tensions within the theory. Interprets these tensions as spaces for ongoing reinvention of creative practice in evaluation. (SLD)

Considers the process of evaluating the interactivity of Web-based learning systems (WBLSs), adapting a heuristic approach usually employed for usability evaluations. Proposes a three-way model of interactivity, reports an evaluation using three different WBLSs, and concludes that heuristic evaluation provides a cheap, intuitive and practical…

Continues the exploration of the effective use and misuse of performance indicators that has been conducted by various authors in this journal. Identifies some further limitations on the use of performance measurement and notes that many performance measurement undertakings make no provision for evaluating the impact of the undertakings…

Notes trends and implications arising from the discussions in the other chapters of this theme issue, with a focus on the need to recognize the complexity of evaluation efforts involving multiple sponsors and stakeholders. Also notes the significance of multifaceted and complex environments in the conduct of evaluations in state and local…

Proposes a new metaphorical framework for understanding and using mixed methods evaluation. Uses the archipelago as a metaphor for resolving the challenges presented by a mixed methods approach, this allowing the simultaneous consideration of different methods and stances. (SLD)

Introduces behavioral assessment. Describes assumptions and methods of behavioral assessment and then compares and contrasts them with those of traditional assessment. Reviews recent developments in behavioral assessments. Includes two case examples that illustrate many of the principles and methods of behavioral assessment that are discussed.…

Studied lives of suicidal individuals by operationalizing each of 15 theories of suicide with 10 statements and rating these 150 statements as present or absent in lives of 30 famous suicides for whom biographies were available. Theory of Aaron Beck was found to be most applicable to suicidal lives and that of Freud was least applicable.…

Suggests using nonsymmetric correspondence analysis to evaluate contingency tables with a dependence structure. Presents a nontechnical overview with the relevant formulas in an appendix. Illustrates the technique with three examples from diverse areas. (SLD)

The purpose of the current study was to implement a newly proposed evaluation method (Dimitropoulos, 1999), that is, the dynamic evaluation approach in the field of education. The dynamic approach was applied in order to evaluate the Olympic Education Program in Greece. The results of the present field study were encouraging. Dynamic evaluation…

As the method we use to measure the effectiveness of educational institutions changes to focus more on learning outcomes rather than learning processes, teaching styles may need to adapt to facilitate this approach to evaluation. This paper proposes several strategies to build a more student-focused classroom including the…

In Texas, fifth grade students are required to pass both the reading and math sections of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS test, in order to be promoted to the next grade level. The purpose of this study is to describe parents' perceptions of the influence of the high-stakes TAKS test on the family lives of at-risk fifth grade…

The problem investigated in this research study relates to the referral rate for special education evaluations between students of teachers who were exposed to the professional development and resources associated with the federally funded Reading First program and students of teachers who were not exposed to the program. The purpose of this study…

Accreditation in higher education institutions continues to be regarded as the seal of collegiate quality even while questions have been raised about its effectiveness and what the process accepts as evidence of improved student learning. As a result, many regional accrediting agencies are requiring higher education institutions to implement…