This paper reports on a process analysis of a three-year research and demonstration project evaluating a supported-employment program serving 20 adults with psychiatric disabilities. Staff were found to have frequent, brief contact with participants at varied times of day and through varied means of contact, with much of this contact spent…

For formative assessment to raise academic standards in Scotland, three advances are required: investment in research and development to exploit new possibilities for developing pupils' learning potential; development work with teachers to change understandings and roles; and public and political action to establish system contexts and…

A team of French language teachers across Canada developed prototype evaluation instruments congruent with recent curriculum changes for core French. A series of formative evaluation instruments for beginning level students was refined and field tested. Results of the test highlight a positive response to the experimental nature of the evaluation…

Reports on a small-scale study investigating the implementation of teacher assessment in Italian primary schools where English is taught as a foreign language. (Author/VWL)

Compared the final exam performance of two classes of accounting students based on the method of course assessment used; one class received formative assessment with feedback prior to the final exam, while the previous class did not. Findings seemed to suggest that changing assessment to a formative mode can improve students' performance. (EV)

Describes the development of a strategy for assessing undergraduate research projects by students and faculty at an Irish university. Its key elements include: (1) submission by students of three interim progress reports and provision of written and oral feedback by faculty; (2) a project logbook; and (3) a self-evaluation exercise to encourage…

Experienced teachers in North Carolina benefit from an evaluation system that sets clear expectations and combines traditional evaluation with individual growth opportunities. The model is based on a regional educational laboratory's 10 years of experience in research and development in formative evaluation. Teacher self-assessment is a key…

Includes 10 articles related to evaluating learning in technical agriculture discuss evaluation techniques, authentic assessment, evaluation of student learning in agricultural mechanics, assessment of knowledge using standards and benchmarks, standardized testing, academic skills assessment, and formative classroom assessment. (JOW)

Accountability policy research relies on systems theory, objectivism, and logical empiricism to identify learning performance indicators. Policy knowledge production should permit a more holistic, causally interdependent view of teaching, learning, and leadership services. Presents an accountability policy methodology stressing formative…

Describes a program developed by librarians at Arizona State University West to evaluate their library instruction. Topics discussed include stressing individual improvement rather than personnel evaluation and decisions; group process; focus on formative evaluation; role of evaluation measures; evaluations by faculty and students; and colleague…

Articles in this special issue consider different aspects of community-level evaluation research and demonstrate the emerging sophistication and promise of this field. Process evaluation, qualitative research, and meta-analysis are promising new directions for ensuring more appropriate levels of analysis and more appropriate outcomes. (SLD)

Adventure therapists are often asked to assess clients in a manner that differs from their therapeutic approach, resulting in assessment being perceived as burdensome. Project Adventure's Decision Tree combines assessment with activity selection to create a dynamic tool that is responsive to group, individual, and leader needs. Example focuses on…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) focuses on ITS evaluation studies, particularly methodological issues. Topics include summative evaluation for efficiency; quantitative evaluation; formative evaluation; informal evaluation; cognitive mediation perspectives of evaluation; integrating cognitive theories into ITS; effectiveness of…

While a CD-ROM on network topologies was being developed, it was evaluated formatively by 14 office systems teachers and summatively by 23 students using it in class. Improvements in ease of use, performance, and the accuracy and clarity of content were made. (SK)

As people with HIV live longer and healthier lives, ongoing prevention with positive individuals has become a new focus of care. Effective prevention with positives interventions are emerging and new interventions continue to be developed. This article discusses the development and evaluation of the prevention for positives intervention developed…