This report considers a range of issues involved in doing case-study research with emphasis on the potential for and the problems associated with this approach in distance education. The report begins with an introduction to the case-study research methodology, noting that it is not widely recognized as an approach in distance education.…

A study compared results of a 1990 survey of educators to determine growth in knowledge and use of portfolio assessment. The study aimed to report the reactions and feelings of educators who use or may plan portfolios. A total of 173 educators from Illinois enrolled in a literacy workshop sponsored by a midwestern reading association answered a…

The aim of this book is to provide a source for teachers and other professionals working with children and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities that will enable them to: (1) access selected recent and relevant research in the field of learning difficulties, drawn from a range of disciplines and groups of people; (2) reflect on…

A modular campus conflict management evaluation toolkit prepared by the Conflict Management in Higher Education Resource Center. Topic areas covered include a general orientation to evaluation research, special resources related to mediation evaluation, and sample tools for Needs Assessment, Process Monitoring, Summative Evaluation and the…

Reviews research related to the foundations of biobehavioral states assessment, its use with typically and atypically developing infants, and related studies on individuals with profound disabilities. The development of state assessment procedures for individuals with profound disabilities, and their adaptations and implications for classroom use…

States that educational research has yielded adequately tested theories and empirical results to establish criteria for the legal review of student evaluation in West German schools. Discusses problems associated with the legal review of student evaluation, particularly the danger of limiting review to superficial aspects of the evaluation…

Studies ways that teachers and principals in South Carolina can influence (fudge) personnel evaluation programs. Discusses the shared nature of power in school organization that permits such practices. (FMW)

Evaluation research is discussed as an applied social science that uses quantitative-comparative techniques to assess the effects of planned intervention. Focus is on the generally insufficient validity of treatment effectiveness research, and the relationship between research constructs and theory and their operationalization. (TJH)

A subordinate evaluation instrument was used to identify factors that employees of Dayton-Montgomery County (OH) Public Library value in their supervisors. Results suggest that subordinates place considerable value on supervisors as role models and expect supervisors to treat them with respect and to encourage their opinions. Implications of these…

Examines group oral response to literature as a method of large-scale assessment with eighth graders. Finds that (1) the method is manageable for wide-scale testing; (2) the process simulates classroom conditions and activities closely; (3) the process allows for teacher input and participation; and (4) students find the activity enjoyable. (PRA)

Examines the rhetoric about portfolio assessment and compares that rhetoric with observations from one school district's project in developing portfolio assessment. Presents observations that show the successes and the remaining challenges in implementing alternative assessments. (MG)

Review and examination of the current literature on reference interview evaluation explores the degree to which such evaluative practices are both desirable and achievable. It is concluded that, if both quantitative and qualitative techniques are appropriately used, accurate mechanisms of evaluation are possible and desirable. (17 references) (LRW)

Analyzes Hughes and Nelson's study of placement testing at Riverside Community College and offers an alternative method of evaluating placement systems using logistic regression. Reanalyzes data from an ASSET placement test validity study using logistic regression. (DMM)

Problems of definition in estimation in evaluation research were studied through a survey of homeless persons in Cook County (Illinois) based on 481 interviews. Differences arising from the following four population definitions are presented: (1) traditional homeless; (2) marginally housed; (3) social isolates; and (4) total of these categories.…

Describes the trial use of formative assessment strategies in science classes in three English schools. Discusses the feasibility, benefits, and implementation of formative assessments in science. (Author/WRM)