In computerized adaptive testing, updating parameter estimates using adaptive testing data is often called online calibration. In this paper, how to evaluate whether the adaptive testing model used for online calibration fits the item response model used sufficiently is studied. Three approaches are investigated, based on a Lagrange multiplier…

This book provides guidelines for conducting internal audits of school districts. The first five chapters provide an overview of internal auditing and describe techniques that can be used to improve or implement internal audits in school districts. They offer information on the definition and benefits of internal auditing, the role of internal…

This report of the Panel on Quality Improvement in Student Financial Aid Programs examines the quality control of federal student financial aid programs covered by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and offers recommendations calling for sweeping revisions of the present system. The report explores: (1) the quality control practices…

Issues that affect the use of performance indicators in managing educational quality are discussed in this paper. Recent changes in public-sector organizational management include the development of strategies for the management of change itself and the changing role of the public sector. A trend within the public sector is an increase in the…

This report provides statistical data on the accreditation actions taken during fiscal years 1985 to 1989 by seven agencies that accredit for-profit or proprietary schools that may participate in the Stafford Student Loan Program. The seven agencies are: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; Accrediting Council for Continuing Education…

The relation between compliance with child care regulations and the quality of day care programs is discussed, and predictors of child care compliance are identified. Substantial compliance (90-97 percent, but not a full 100 percent compliance with state day care regulations) positively affects children. Low compliance (below 85 percent…

Addressing the implications of quality standards and performance measures for California's adult education system, this document focuses on skill assessment and testing systems as a core performance measure. Following an executive summary, the first chapter is an introduction that includes an overview of recommendation 7 of the l989 Strategic Plan…

The fifth of five volumes on the means by which Canadian communities can reduce the incidence of mental retardation, minimize existing impairment, and improve the quality of life of the mentally retarded, this booklet focuses on issues raised by the first four volumes, discusses the current system of support and services in Canada, and offers…

The Department of Defense (DOD) has undertaken major research and development programs to improve the quality of their documentation, yet there continue to be major deficiencies in the quality of the manuals produced. In an attempt to identify factors in the design and development process that may be contributing to such deficiencies, this project…

A bibliography on the development, implementation, and refinement of the process of verification of student financial aid application information is presented. The concept of verifying the information supplied by applicants has taken place since the federal financial aid programs began. Abstracts for 50 documents prepared since 1978 are presented.…

A subset of Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodology known as Control Charting is introduced. SPC methodology is a collection of graphical and inferential statistics techniques used to study the progress of phenomena over time. The types of control charts covered are the null X (mean), R (Range), X (individual observations), MR (moving…

The TAFE (Technical and Further Education) National Centre for Research and Development conducted a survey to determine industry needs for quality training in Australia. Interviews were conducted with managers in manufacturing and tourism/hospitality companies throughout Australia, especially with firms with a high reputation. Interview forms were…

A study investigated the value of professional certification within the context of Massachusetts manufacturing companies with reported sales of at least $10 million but no more than $25 million. The specific certification evaluated was that of Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) as awarded by the American Production and…

This two-volume set containing guidelines and a handbook is intended for persons monitoring the quality of community residences for retarded individuals. The guidelines document begins with a monitoring review worksheet which elicits information in the following categories: human, civil, and legal rights; environment; use of community resources;…

Designed to address the management and use of computer software in education and training, this paper explores both good and poor software design, calling for improvements in the quality of educational software by attending to design considerations that are based on general principles of learning rather than specific educational objectives. This…