In Australia, schools may choose to spend their annual allocation for mathematics and social studies materials on commercially produced materials or materials produced by the Education Department. This study examined Australian teachers' preferences regarding curriculum materials, the procedures they used to select materials, and how they used the…

The proposed theory provides a basis for both measuring and correcting rater stringency error in some grossly incomplete rating data matrices. The theoretical model fits ratings made by faculty and resident physicians of student clinical performance in each of three junior year medical student cohorts better than alternative models. (Author)

This discussion of the measurement of performance criteria and desired or acceptable level of achievement focuses on the performance criteria used for the evaluation of interlibrary services (success rate, turnaround time, cost, and impact of service). Document delivery, communication, and interlibrary loan research are covered. Fifty references…

Gives guidelines for using a microcomputer software evaluation instrument which focuses on policy issues, instructional quality, science subject-matter standards, and technical quality. The complete evaluation instrument is included. (JM)

A study investigating at what point in a course a student's attitudes about it are formed indicates students begin to evaluate the course early in the semester. It is suggested that classroom evaluations be moved back to an early class meeting to allow for teacher improvement during the course. (MSE)

A survey of graduate social work schools in the United States and Canada regarding the use of peer review for tenure and promotion purposes and the specific methods and criteria used is reported, and implications for other areas of professional education are discussed. (MSE)

National surveys of graduate and social science deans showed that teaching is alleged to be the primary factor in all personnel and resource allocation decisions. However, there is much less support for teaching in practice. Reasons include inadequate funding, the imperfect institutionalization of teaching support structures, and the lack of a…

Survey results concerning each state's procedures for music teacher certification are examined; future directions for certification are discussed. Testing and evaluation of teaching will become an integral part of future certification practices. Additional methods for improving educational quality, e.g., field experiences before student teaching…

It is believed that the courts have intruded on the prerogatives of academics to use peer evaluations in personnel decisions. An analysis of academic discrimination cases in the federal courts demonstrates that judicial review is deferential to peer judgments and appears to have little impact on colleges' faculty personnel policies. (Author/MLW)

The process whereby children are identified as learning disabled (LD) and the validity of subsequent educational placements were evaluated. A representative sample of 1,000 students were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively, and extensive questionnaires were administered to LD teachers, principals, and other professionals involved in LD…

Charges that school systems sort students according to the same socioeconomic class divisions that exist outside the school. Curriculum, reading materials, behavior expectations, and evaluation procedures tend to discriminate against lower-class students. Schools should take measures to ensure an equal education for all students. (JAC)

Most British universities accept students conditional upon A-level grades and place little reliance on recommendations. A study of social science undergraduates shows the importance of attitudinal variables and the headmaster's report in predicting success at the university. More attention should be paid to these reports. (IS)

In October 2002, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) contracted with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MRP) to help identify issues pertinent to the evaluation of Title I and to propose feasible evaluation design strategies. This design effort took its lead from two sources: (1) the Title I Independent Review Panel (IRP); and (2) a more…

This report lays out the design for the Evaluation of Reading Comprehension Interventions, which is assessing supplemental reading comprehension programs for fifth-grade students in Title I schools. The key design parameters are described. The report itself provides the rationale for these decisions and discusses design and measurement issues,…

Over the past three decades, American higher education has witnessed a shift in demographics which has created a more diverse student body. However, many university campuses remain unsupportive or even hostile to minority faculty and students. This anthology introduces to readers the Difference, Power, and Discrimination (DPD) Program, a…