A consortia of Rhode Island academic libraries used several research methods--checklists, vendor matrix, vendor demonstrations, dial-up access, on-site visits, and telephone conversations with representatives--to evaluate integrated library systems for purchase. With the help of private funding, INNOPAC was purchased and implemented. (EA)

Describes the use of computers for evaluating the Alaska Writing Program (AWP), a computer-based writing curriculum that was developed in the Yukon Koyukuk School District. The Computerized Instrument for Writing Evaluation (CIWE) is explained, and CIWE field test results are presented. (six references) (LRW)

Introduces the concept of abductive reasoning; discusses its importance for instructional designers in education; and describes the development of a computer program called the Abductive Reasoning Tool (ART) that helps students learn and understand abductive logic. Highlights include abduction and creativity, and field-testing ART with…

Reviews computer software that meets the interests and needs of young children and teaches powerful ideas. The evaluations are based on field tests and the following criteria: age appropriateness, child control, clear instructions, expanding complexity, independence, nonviolence, process orientation; real-world model, technical features, and…

This article discusses the use of performance task assessments by Project STAR for identifying students for academically gifted programs in grades 3-6. A field test of the performance assessment tasks resulted in finding an additional group of students who were 12 percent African American and 14 percent low-income children. (Contains references.)…

We assessed whether and how the discourse written for prototype integrated tasks (involving writing in response to print or audio source texts) field tested for Next Generation TOEFL[R] differs from the discourse written for independent essays (i.e., the TOEFL Essay[R]). We selected 216 compositions written for six tasks by 36 examinees in a field…

Questioning and Understanding To Improve Learning and Thinking (QUILT) was designed to increase teacher use of effective classroom questioning techniques and procedures across all grade levels (K-12) and subject areas. QUILT offers faculty the opportunity to focus on the process of effective questioning for a full year and features a process for…

Between 1977 and 1981, the Basic Skills Component of Research for Better Schools worked with education agencies to develop a research-based approach to improving basic skills instruction and student achievement. Called Achievement Directed Leadership (ADL), the approach was field tested extensively in three school districts during the 1981-82…

A theory of thematic curriculum emerged during the development of a thematic unit on pets, entitled "Pets and Me." The unit, intended for preschool through grade five, focuses on the human-animal bond, incorporating language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, art, and music activities. "Pets and Me" was developed,…

This document is a summary and evaluation of methodological procedures and results for the field test of the Beginning Postsecondary Student Longitudinal Study Second Followup, 1990-94 (BPS:90/94). The BPS study is a departure from previous studies in that it starts with a cohort of individuals as they enter their postsecondary studies regardless…

The Tourism Standards Consortium (TSC) is a partnership of the governments of Canada's western provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia), the provinces' tourism industries, and the Pacific Rim Institute of Tourism in British Columbia. In an effort to increase professionalism in Western Canada's tourism industry, the TSC…

A secondary mathematics curriculum of open-ended non-routine problems developed by a teacher of high school math over 10 years is described. An open-ended non-routine problem is one that requires problem recognition and orientation, effort, and persistence. It is open-ended in that it allows for various solutions, and requires the student to…

The Second Follow-Up Field Test (SFUFT) of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) was conducted in 1990 and 1991 by the National Opinion Research Center and the Educational Testing Service. The SFUFT evaluated free response items (FRIs) for possible inclusion in the Second Follow-Up Main Study (SFUMS) and tested survey…

The primary purpose of this evaluation was to discover what effect Project WILD had on students and teachers. These effects included changes in student learning and attitudes about wildlife as well as teachers' reactions to the Project WILD implementation and materials. The project was field tested in three states, in three demographic areas…

The Electronic Telecommunications System project was conceived to assist in the integration of telecommunications technologies such as electronic mail into adult and vocational education programs. After identifying and evaluating over 20 vendors and electronic mail systems, the researchers selected the ITT Dialcom system as the subject of a three…