A series of inspections for cassette recorders that can be performed to assure that the devices are acceptable is described. The inspections can be completed in 20 minutes and can be performed by instructional personnel. The series of inspection procedures includes tests of the intelligibility of audio, physical condition, tape speed, impulse…

Evaluation in its true concept should be a process for collecting information to make better decisions. The author discusses in detail four planning stages to evaluate programs. The first stage of the process is to ascertain the decision areas of concern. In the second stage, the evaluator must select the appropriate information-gathering…

Describes the "Observatoire national de la securite des etablissements scolaires et d'enseignement superieur," a national agency established by the French government in 1995 to ensure safety in schools and colleges. Its annual reports, drawn up in conjunction with experts, are sent out to government, public authorities, and any…

Planning new construction is an opportunity to recognize indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. Provides an overview of some common IEQ issues associated with construction projects. A building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is by far the single most common cause of IEQ problems and complaints. (MLF)

Describes how, by adapting software inspections to assess documentation and code, technical writers can collaborate with development personnel, editors, and customers to dramatically improve both the quality of documentation and the very process of inspecting that documentation. Notes that the five steps involved in the inspection process are:…

Six papers discuss the increasing role of federal Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) in program evaluation. This issue presents an overview of such inspections, case studies from three federal agencies, and a review of questions and concerns about inspections by OIGs. (SLD)

Describes how keeping carpets in good condition depends not only on proper maintenance but also on careful carpet selection at the outset. Offers advice for restoring a carpet's new appearance through vacuuming and hot-water extraction and suggests ways to manage spots and stains. (RJM)

Discusses the benefits of each of three types of roofing systems: built-up roofing (BUR); modified bitumen; and a combination of BUR and modified bitumen. Roof performance, performance maximization, and inspection and maintenance issues are addressed. A brief glossary of commercial roofing terms is included. (GR)

This article examines the struggles of the South African government to establish school-wide evaluation policies within post-apartheid institutions. It is demonstrated that even when such evaluation policies promise teacher development and whole-school improvement, there is significant resistance to government intervention in the school…

This article examines three areas that are of central importance to the pedagogy of the National Literacy Strategy Framework for Teaching (FFT) at primary level: inspection evidence; school effectiveness (SE) research; and child development evidence. Analysis of national inspection reports on the teaching of English illustrates that these cannot…

Site visits are a commonly employed, but little discussed, evaluation procedure. Our purpose is to review the state of the art regarding site visits, as well as to catalyze a discussion of site visits centering on the question of whether or not existing practices constitute a set of methods or a methodology. We define evaluative site visits and…

Little research has investigated the treatment of school libraries in OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) reports. This paper is devoted to a recent study that has examined the conclusions reached by inspectors visiting first and primary schools in a metropolitan borough in northern England. Forty-four reports relating to schools of these…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently completed an evaluation of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulatory program in schools. The purpose of the fact sheet is to inform schools of their initial AHERA successes, note areas for improvement, and provide additional guidance. Major findings pertaining to school building…

In fall 1989, the initial implementation of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) was evaluated. This report summarizes evaluation results presented in a two-volume final report and appendices. AHERA regulations required: (1) inspection of all elementary and secondary schools to identify any asbestos-containing building…

In fall 1989, the initial implementation of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) was evaluated. AHERA regulations required inspection of all elementary and secondary schools to identify any asbestos-containing building materials present; preparation of an asbestos management plan for each school; notification of parents and…