The aim of this study was to explore a method of improving the objectivity, reliability, and efficiency of scoring performance assessments that involve constructed written responses. Millman (1997) has suggested an alternative to using model responses at each score category. The proposed strategy, hypothesized to increase scorer reliability and…

This report evaluates a joint Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at Cleveland State University (Ohio) and the University of Akron (Ohio) in which half the courses originate on each campus and students use videoconferencing to participate in all courses. The two-year program, which began in spring 1995, admits approximately 48 students each…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has conducted state assessments in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1996. At present, after the fourth round of state assessments, it is clear that the program is generally successful. A survey of state testing directors indicates that the NAEP has considerable credibility as a valid and reliable source…

This document contains three papers from a symposium on core directions in human resource development (HRD). In "Expertise: The Development of an Operational Definition for Human Resource Development" (Richard W. Herling), expertise is defined as consistent demonstrated actions that are efficient in their execution and effective in their…

Elementary and secondary schools deserve special attention with respect to seismic safety because of their special occupancy characteristics and their importance to immediate and long-term earthquake disaster relief and recovery efforts. Seismic safety provisions, when incorporated in a sound design from the very beginning, usually amount to only…

A study was formally requested by the Kansas City Regional Council for Higher Education Institutional Research Directors' Group in the spring of 1990, to examine the economic impact of higher education on the Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas, metropolitan area. An economic impact model was used which includes the four major components of direct…

This study presents a means of identifying economically efficient school districts in Illinois and provides an analysis of select school variables: school population; salary expenditure; level of teacher preparedness; number of years of teaching experience; and select ratios incorporating pupils, administrators, teachers, test scores, and percent…

Within the Illinois Community College System (ICCS), each of the 50 member colleges reports to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) on their productivity improvements. This report summarizes the productivity reports of the ICCS colleges, examines the results of a series of analyses of productivity conducted by the ICCB from a statewide…

A framework is presented for evaluating family centers in the context of the community environment. The family centers will be created in a variety of communities and under varying auspices. Several will be selected as prototype centers and, as such, will need more elaborate evaluation plans than the others. Prototype centers will need to evaluate…

There are two categories of representations: figurative and non-figurative. Within the category of figurative representations, there are two groups: visuals and graphic symbols. Graphic symbols include pictorial symbols, abstract symbols, and arbitrary symbols. Symbols can be used for identification, overview, supplying instructions, position,…

Careful demographic forecasting provides schools with crucial information they require to plan effectively to meet future needs. The overview of general population trends that begins this document includes a detailed description of factors that influence demographic predictions. Changes in ethnic groups in general and Hispanic, Black, and Asian…

In an effort to estimate the economic impact of Johnson County Community College (JCCC) on the Kansas City Metropolitan Area for 1988-89, the Ryan-New Jersey model was used to examine both direct and indirect economic influences of the college. Direct economic impact was assessed by examining institutional expenditures in the metropolitan area;…

The paper analyzes the impact of technology change on distance education, and the implications for training and distance education staff development. The paper suggests that one of the major areas for job training is in the selection of media and use of technology for instructional purposes, and in the procedures and processes of decision making.…

This book is directed to any educator who is interested in the use of the computer to improve classroom instruction. It is a book about the materials, human factors, and decision-making procedures that make up the instructional application of computers. This document's single goal is to promote educators' thoughtful selection and use of both…

A research project was undertaken to design, develop, implement, and test a model to examine and evaluate curriculum programs on a cost efficiency basis. The researchers used existing information and the computerized data management system at Nash Technical College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to evaluate the cost effectiveness of each…