Current conceptualizations of participatory evaluation are reviewed, presenting some definitions, various rationales for its use, and a general discussion with implications for future applications. Participatory evaluation creates a learning framework in which evaluation findings are processed and accumulated by end-users in the very process of…

This article examines the problem of definition in learning disabilities. It discusses the failure of conceptual definitions to provide a clear idea of what learning disabilities are, examines the true nature of available definitions as stipulative definitions, and notes the difficulty in conceptualizing and implementing operational definitions.…

Definitions, theory, and educational practice relevant to school readiness are discussed. Strategies to promote school readiness in the future should (1) redefine readiness and set performance standards; (2) redefine the assessment of readiness; and (3) reallocate the responsibility helping children get ready for school. (LB)

Defines institutional effectiveness concepts, including accountability, alignment, assessment, baseline, benchmark, change, compatibility, competency, cost control, cost efficiency, excellence, family measure, goal, indicator, institutional effectiveness, journal, key indicator, longitudinal data, measure, mission, norm, objective, outcome,…

Examines the concept of induction for beginning school managers and offers a series of alternative purposes, including remediation, orientation, and socialization. Distinguishes among three kinds of socialization (anticipatory, professional, and organizational). Precedes this discussion by considering various definitions of induction, along with…

An empirical study of the speech act of definition in science lectures found that definitions signposted the logical/discourse structure of the lecture, helped to maintain comprehension as discourse progressed, and were often clustered together in discourse. (14 references) (Author/CB)

Compares scientific explanations of addiction of the 1920s and 1930s to today's. Details the history of addiction testing and research, the development of criteria for defining addiction, and both physiological and psychological definitions of addiction. Suggests that the changing status of addiction as a disease reflects different meanings…

The characteristic features of psychogenic stuttering of adult onset are reviewed, and four cases of this disorder are presented. Psychogenic stuttering of adult onset is classified as a conversion reaction, and tentative criteria for this diagnosis are proposed. (Author/JDD)

Teachers in England and Wales have recently discovered the meaning of innovation overload, including mandated teacher appraisal. Teaching is a very exposed, personal activity; governors' attitudes and behaviors concerning staff appraisal are mostly a matter of relationship. Appraising governors must consider context, responsibility, definitions of…

Examines the perspectives of needs assessment described in performance technology and human resource development literature. Perspectives embodied in definitions and conceptualizations of the terms need, needs assessment, needs analysis, front end analysis, and performance analysis are examined, and different views about where the needs assessment…

Argues that current definitions of giftedness are inappropriate for the identification of gifted and talented Indian students, and that tribal peoples must generate new, culturally relevant definitions, including abilities related to oral tradition. Describes a successful summer program that identified necessary value-based cultural competencies…

Describes a method by which teachers can introduce students to meaning and text through application of Mikhail Bakhtin's discourse theories. Explains that students are encouraged to reject common understandings of good writing. Identifies "daffy" definition exercises, newspaper editorial comparisons, and other activities that help…

Variability of prevalence data for the category of gifted and talented is examined, with respect to two alternative explanations: (1) definitional differences; and (2) differences in the application of definitions. Analysis of state definitions of giftedness and guidelines for student identification found this category to be no less, if not more,…

Traces the development of outcome-based education and mastery learning, highlighting the work of Ralph W. Tyler and Benjamin S. Bloom. OBE is principally a goal-driven curriculum reform model with definite implications for assessing student learning. Mastery learning is primarily an instructional process to help teachers enhance their teaching…

This survey of 48 state directors of special education found that states are at various stages in developing policies and guidelines for serving individuals with traumatic brain injury, resulting in differing forms of technical assistance and training, definitions, and eligibility criteria. (JDD)