Examines the structure, validity, and reliability of Guglielmino's self-directed learning readiness scale. Reviews related literature and refutes Guglielmino's thesis. Reports data derived from an administration of the scale that reveal problems in wording and show that the scale measures a homogeneous construct not associated with readiness for…

This sourcebook presents information about three types of federal decision makers who are frequent clients of evaluation: career government executives; political appointees; and congressional staff members. Differences among these decision makers are highlighted in seven articles, with emphasis on meeting client needs and process dimensions of…

The measurement of the performance of schools is complicated by the need to adjust for differences in input mixes. Schools may have a differential effect on the performance of different types of pupils. Rather than a single performance indicator, a system of indicators is needed. Characteristics of a good indicator system are identified. (KDP)

Reviews the place of rating scales in second-language measurement and summarizes some of the problems associated with them. Standard and alternative scales were studied. High agreement among raters can be achieved even under conditions not favorable to high interrater reliability. The full range of score categories are effectively utilized. (17…

Provides an example of how to evaluate an elementary school counseling program. The example described here is not all inclusive--such an evaluation would have been unmanageable. Evaluations become manageable when they are viewed as a continuous process and when specific services are isolated for scrutiny at different times. (RJM)

Examines the drive to develop a national set of standards for the English Language Arts curriculum. Addresses the issues of what standards are, what the current standards terrain looks like, what sort of standards could be set, and what the dangers are in the process. Offers suggestions for educators to begin the process of developing useful…

Explores both the characteristics of, and relations between, two broad purposes of literacy assessment. Examines the tensions resulting from these characteristics and relations, and looks at new ways to think about these tensions, so that the educational community can build assessment systems that further the literacy education and achievement of…

Examines the major transactions regarding violence during the course of transcribed psychiatric evaluations for 92 recently violent patients. Coded and cross-tabulated the mentioning and action taken for patients describing violence. Findings support a progressive decrease in the discussion of violence and apparent breaches in the flow of…

Some of the major issues related to planning evaluations of federal human services national demonstration programs are discussed. Barriers to conducting evaluations are discussed for the policy level and cross-site and within-site evaluation contexts. Among the proposed solutions is the use of an explicit programmatic developmental sequence. (SLD)

The evaluation of a science education project for teachers in Durban (South Africa) illustrates some problems inherent in the application of the fourth-generation evaluation approach of Guba and Lincoln. One of the strongest concerns is that full participation by stakeholders may be an unrealistic assumption. (SLD)

Describes how Winnipeg public schools use an educational indicator system, including computer mapping graphics, to present indicator data to educational policymakers. Discusses issues and problems in the development and use of educational indicator systems, focusing on the relative importance of educational inputs, processes, and outcomes. (SV)

The Senate confirmation hearings concerning Robert Gates as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) highlight the problems evaluators share with the CIA of keeping policy imperatives out of the search for truth. The CIA at least has a structure for keeping information pure, but many evaluations do not. (SLD)

Considers individual differences in cognitive and social functioning and how and why those differences are measured. Presents some issues that are believed to be historically important to the development of testing, particularly intelligence testing, and consequently to the practice of school psychology. Discusses some continuing problems with…

Survey items representing 30 standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation were used to examine violations in program evaluations. Twenty-nine novice graduate students, 57 graduate students with moderate knowledge about evaluation, and 61 expert evaluators viewed propriety and accuracy standards as suffering the most…

Discusses the problems involved with both student and teacher evaluations. Examines better ways to evaluate teachers and asserts that teachers must find ways to dignify student evaluations of teachers and make the process thoughtful and reflective rather than mechanical. (PRA)