This paper examines how various equating methods are affected by: (1) sampling error; (2) sample characteristics; and (3) characteristics of anchor test items. It reviews empirical studies that investigated the invariance of equating transformations, and it discusses empirical and simulation studies that focus on how the properties of anchor tests…

A variety of general education programs and evaluation approaches are described, with a focus on assessments of student attitudes and achievement. The introductory essay by Jerry G. Gaff, "A Practical Approach to Evaluation," presents a three-step evaluation approach, as well as suggestions for general education program directors, deans,…

This 3-year project aimed to improve delivery of support and instructional services among 33 West Virginia county school districts in implementing special education mandates. The participating school districts are within the service area of West Virginia University. The introduction details each year's objectives. "Year one" pursued…

Two major concerns should be considered as the federal effort to collect educational data is redesigned. The concerns involve the roles performed by school personnel and the effect of student characteristics on achievement. Obtaining accurate measures of school district personnel--how many, what type, and what they do--is difficult. However,…

The growing interest in human resources development (HRD) is a response to the increasingly competitive business environment which, in turn, has been shaped by such forces as the emergence of global competition, the quickening pace of technological innovation and the reduction of federal regulations in some industries. This monograph seeks to…

The Success in Reading and Writing Program used in the District of Columbia Public Schools in 1985-86 is described and evaluated. The program, used in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, employed a variety of materials, as well as the students' own writing. Instruction lasted approximately 2.5 hours each school day. The program connected reading…

Demand for accountability and effective programming by the Ohio Cooperative Extension Service (OCES) led to identification of the need for a set of skills and knowledge for extension faculty related to program development through evaluation. This paper describes the training of OCES field faculty in program evaluation skills to be used within a…

Developed to enhance the quality of secondary school U.S. history instruction, this curriculum guide provides implementation suggestions and includes the Louisiana social studies: (1) program rationale; (2) curriculum goals; and (3) program scope and sequence. The guide is divided into sections that feature the following themes: (1) toward a new…

The methodological implications of using instructional information combined with the usual test item responses are discussed as they affect the linkage of achievement measurement and instruction. Models that expand those of standard Item Response Theory (IRT) are illustrated using achievement data from the United States sample of the Second…

This training manual is designed to improve understanding of Chinese American children, their families, and the issues surrounding the assessment process, to assist educators in creating a more appropriate assessment and learning environment for the limited English speaking Chinese American child. Three training modules are included; each module…

Image assessment in higher education and procedures for conducting image assessments are discussed. Image assessment is the process of finding out what others think about an organization. It is proposed that when image assessments are approached objectively, the results can help determine constituent needs, anticipate vocational trends, survey…

Designed for elementary and secondary teachers around the world, this book presents a variety of strategies, objectives, and content for teaching geography. The first of 10 chapters takes a critical look at some of the recent changes in geography and education. Chapter 2 examines learning problems in light of research by Piaget and Bruner.…

A case study was conducted on how principals are selected in American public school districts. Chapters 1-3 describe and evaluate conventional selection practices in 10 randomly sampled school districts; these include vacancy announcements, selection criteria, applicant pools, screening, and employment decisions. These procedures as currently…

The papers include: "Applied Linguistics and Comunicative Language Teaching" (Christopher Brumfit); "Evaluation of the East Midlands Graded Assessment Feasibility Study" (Elaine S. Freedman); "Aspects of Standardisation within a Communicative Assessment Syllabus" (Nicola Lees); "Experimenting with…

This report summarizes the results of two educational policy studies: (1) an analysis of current problems in teacher competency testing; and (2) an exploration of educational testing and evaluation research and development needs. In the first study, information on teacher competency testing was gathered from a literature review and meetings with…