The amount of literature on program evaluation decreased in 1996, continuing a trend begun in the late 1980s. One exception to this is the literature on assessment. Another frequent issue is the technique of evaluation. Many examples of research on evaluation are from international settings, where accountability and evaluation appear to be…

This study reports on a multi-faceted assessment effort for diversity underway at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The four major elements of this project include: (1) archival research of the institution's history of segregation and desegregation; (2) a report on the status of women and minority faculty, staff, and students;…

The Assessment Faculty Guide from St. Louis Community College provides guidance for faculty members about how to implement outcomes assessment. The handbook is divided into five areas: (1) assessment rationale, including history, definition, principles, and questions and answers; (2) the structure of assessment, providing a description,…

In more than 90 percent of the American colleges the prevailing method of transfer from secondary school is by certification, based on the pupil's record in secondary school. In the large majority of cases a record of graduation from an accredited secondary school is required of every student admitted to college. When it is considered that in…

Four issues that have become prominent in law school accreditation as the profession adjusts to changes in itself, education, and the flow of consumers of legal education are discussed: the demand for new buildings, student faculty ratios, restricting law school admission to "A" and "B" level students, and faculty tenure. (MSE)

Five views of quality education are identified: the mystical, the reputational, the resources, the outcome, and the value-added. A new approach is proposed with the emphasis on good teaching, unpublicized student evaluations, and disinterested peer evaluation. (Author/MLW)

Reputational ratings were obtained from 1,005 chairpersons in 15 liberal arts disciplines at 67 universities. Analysis revealed a significant difference for universities, for disciplines, and for the interaction between the two. Comparisons were made between the ratings of chairpersons of the top and bottom 10 departments. (Author/GDC)

Discusses the need for educators to constantly work toward adjusting their educational input through self-study and by examining changes in the world. Describes the processes used by North Central Bible College to instigate change in their educational culture: the development of "end-sought statements," the use of appreciative inquiry,…

Despite recent rejection of proposals for national reform of college accreditation, a well-established system of regional, voluntary self-regulation offers the best vehicle for correcting imbalance in educational quality assurance. The new Council for Higher Education Accreditation can help restore public faith in voluntary self-regulation by…

Examines problems in external university evaluation associated with a small country, such as Lithuania, including lack of resources, lack of competition, language of instruction, and program condensation as part of the transition from communist rule. Perceived needs include specific international academic standards, performance indicators, and…

A Nova Scotia high school experiencing racial tensions commissioned an external review. The reviewer focused not on blame and "eradicating the problem," but on a holistic look at all contributing issues, including economic marginalization, inequities in schooling, school culture, school-community relationships, and a willingness to work…

Describes a study that used students' scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, disaggregated by student intelligence test scores and socioeconomic status, to assess the quality and equity of 15 elementary schools in a mid-western school district. Reports comparative and longitudinal data for each district. (DMM)

To rank departments in colleges of education, experts were asked to list the most prestigious departments, to indicate standards of productivity, and to list the best journals in their field. Staffs (approximately 20) of the prestigious departments were then asked to answer questions bearing on productivity and impact of departments. (SLD)

Discussion of performance indicators, used for evaluation and funding of higher education institutions by some governments, looks at what is meant by the term and their role in government-institutional relations. A series of propositions for their definition and use are offered, with supporting information drawn from the experiences of different…

Suggests that college compliance with external accrediting agency policies regarding outcomes assessment will not necessarily affect the internal academic environment. Recommends that outcomes assessment be presented to faculty as a student success approach, which does not threaten academic freedom or job security. Discusses the politics of…