This article discusses how Roland G. Tharp and his colleagues from the Center for Research on Education, Diversity, & Excellence, a federal research center at the University of California, identify methods to help "nonmainstream" pupils make academic gains. Tharp has identified five standards that he says mark effective instruction…

There has been renewed discussion of the scientific method, with many voices arguing that it presents a very limited or even wholly incorrect image of the way science is really done. At the same time, the idea of a scientific method is pervasive. This article identifies the scientific method as a simple model for the process of scientific inquiry.…

All animals must make choices regarding what foods to eat, where to eat, and how much time to spend feeding. Optimal foraging theory explains these behaviors in terms of costs and benefits. This laboratory exercise focuses on optimal foraging theory by investigating the winter feeding behavior of birds on the goldenrod gall fly by comparing…

Objective: Assessing the achievement of social work educational outcomes is a requirement of the Council on Social Work Education's Educational Policy and Standards (EPAS). The Evaluation Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) was created to assess student progress in advanced concentration courses focused on evaluation and thereby provide data regarding…

Objectives: A national survey finds that 62% of social work programs do not require didactic and clinical supervision in any empirically supported psychotherapy (EST). The authors report the results of analysis of national survey data using two alternative classifications of EST to determine if the results are because of the definition of EST used…

This report presents findings of an evaluation, conducted in 1994, of 10 Leadership in Accountability Demonstration (LAD) schools in the San Diego City Schools. The report provides information on the status of accountability implementation, particularly regarding the schools' recognition and intervention practices. The evaluation sought to…

Application review is the most important part of the Department of Education's funding process and is designed to ensure that projects are worthwhile and that awards are fair and impartial. The critical step in application review is competitive, objective evaluation by reviewers. This workbook was developed by the Department of Education to…

The purpose of the study was to discover various reasons for teaching United States history in the secondary classroom. The information was intended to assist teachers in identifying, designing, and formulating their own rationales for classroom use. Two questions provided the focus for the study: (1) what rationales for teaching history were…

Two sections comprise this essay describing the process of planning for educational change. The first section defines values, goals, and operating procedures. These factors combine to facilitate educational change. The second section identifies the three phases of educational planning. Needs assessment, management techniques, and evaluation…

Although the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 does not specify the primary purpose of the Special Emphasis Program, it is generally categorized as serving a dual function of research/demonstration and service delivery. A General Accounting Office (GAO) review was held to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the…

The major component of the second year investigation was to study the relative effectiveness of an innovative individualized instructional system in physical education (I CAN) for severely retarded elementary age students. Seven students randomly selected from either an I CAN class or a control class were used for all analyses. Data were collected…

A model is outlined for providing reliable information on the effectiveness of teacher education programs for evaluation purposes. Six criteria for sound evaluation are established: (1) Evaluation should include opportunity possibilities for modification of the program; (2) Evaluation should include feedback from those active in the field of…

Guidelines are given for program testing and verification to ensure quality software for the programmer working alone in a computing environment with limited resources. The emphasis is on verification as an integral part of the software development. Guidance includes developing and planning testing as well as the application of other verification…

Program monitoring permits assessments to be made on a community-based program--its managerial and operational efficiency, its effectiveness, its acceptability by clients, and suitability to needs. It assists a program in defining objectives and developing and implementing quality care in an effective manner. This guide lists kinds of things…

This catalogue provides current information on State Facilitator projects on educational programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The one-page descriptions outline services, funds available, and activities of each project. Staff members are listed by name, title, responsibilities, and percentage of…