An overview of the methods and problems in evaluating employment and training programs is presented. Process and impact evaluation are compared in relation to the Job Training Partnership Act. (Author/LMO)

Describes two experiments on computer-assisted instruction (CAI) interaction in which interactional analysis is utilized to provide information on the interaction of students with microcomputers. It is suggested that interactional analysis is the key to improving the design and application of CAI materials. (MBR)

Describes a study conducted to determine prevalence of educational software field testing by producers, number of teachers and students participating, evaluation criteria used, whether documentation includes field test results, field test value, and other evaluation methods utilized during product development. Textbook versus software evaluation,…

This second in a five-lesson tutorial on library evaluation focuses on the evaluation of library collections. Highlights include the seven-step evaluation process described in lesson one; quantitative methods (total size, unfilled requests, circulation, turnover rate); and qualitative methods (impressionistic, list-checking). One required and…

Discusses three phases of instructional design (ID)--definition of instructional parameters, analysis and synthesis of instructional alternatives, and implementation of instructional plan--and presents a 15-step ID model. Included for each step are a descriptive name, boxed example, and rationale and (as applicable) current state of technology for…

Describes a method of monitoring the district curriculum during an extended maintenance period. The program audit for each subject area addresses the degree of fidelity to curriculum objectives, determines whether teachers are emphasizing the curriculum objectives, and identifies factors constraining curriculum implementation. (MJL)

Advocates both summative and formative student evaluation incorporating instructor, peer, and self-evaluation. Presents two examples of the rating format for illustration, and suggests that the key to the feedback depends on the consistency among the sources. Results should contribute to final grades. (JAC)

Between May 2003 and January 2004, Education Development Center's Center for Children and Technology (CCT) undertook a formative evaluation of Design and Discovery, a hands-on, project-based design and engineering curriculum being disseminated as part of the Intel Innovation in Education initiatives. The Design and Discovery curriculum invites 11-…

There has been a growing interest in placing sworn police officers in schools as SROs to improve school safety. The purpose of the National Assessment was to identify what program "models" have been implemented, how programs have been implemented, and what the programs' possible effects may be. To obtain this information, Abt Associates conducted…

Like all models, the new model is also based on a theoretical foundation; constructivism, which emphasis is placed on the learner or the student rather than the teacher or the instructor. Students learn by fitting new information together with what they already know. People learn best when they actively construct their own understanding. The new…

This article reports findings on growth in three science teachers' expertise with interpretation of student work over one year of participation in a program. The program was designed to strengthen classroom assessment in the middle grades. Using a framework for classroom assessment expertise, the authors analyzed patterns of teacher learning, and…

This issue of the Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) Technical Assistance Center's "ERCMExpress" promotes emergency exercises as an effective way to validate school safety plans. Simulations of emergency situations, or emergency exercises, are integral to a sound school safety plan. They offer opportunities for district and schools to…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the public input process at Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. It shows how the public input process was applied to one of the Clerc Center's priority areas, the transition from school to postsecondary education and employment. Part 1 of the paper…

This paper addresses instrumentation design and an ongoing study of an online formative assessment instrument and its effects in pre-college (developmental/remedial) mathematics courses. The use of facet theory and instructional technologies are harmonized to construct and scale an online instrument designed to document student procedures while…

This study evaluated the instructional benefits and barriers related to the use of online formative and summative assessment tools. Data were collected from samples of undergraduate students in different semesters to allow for differential use of summative assessment (paper versus online delivery). Formative assessment was manipulated by providing…