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…

Investigates whether standardized tests measure the same comprehension construct as free recall assessment techniques. (FL)

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)

After an overview of distance education is presented, models and case summaries in formal and nonformal education are described. The evaluation of distance education is discussed in terms of effectiveness, cost, and management. Finally, new directions for evaluation and policy formation are outlined.

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)

Eight British teachers who spent one year teaching history in the United States under the Fulbright program of international exchanges answered a questionnaire concerning their U.S. teaching experience. They commented on areas such as teaching materials, assessment methods, grading, teaching methods, and the structure and planning of history…

The purpose of this article is to comment on practice in the use of existing data bases in program evaluation and school improvement and to explore directions for increased and improved use. (BW)

A complex interactional model of classroom factors that contribute to the development of students' self-evaluations is presented. Factors described are: (1) task structure; (2) grouping practices; (3) feedback and evaluation procedures and information about ability; (4) motivational strategies; (5) locus of responsibility for learning; and (6) the…

Design for process analysis in teacher education methods courses helps prospective teachers learn to make decisions and analyze classroom interactions. Model describes specific eight-point procedure to follow in examining college classrooms from students' and observers' perspectives, examining literature on teacher effectiveness, and comparing…

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)

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Adding Value to Student Assessment: Does "Value-Added Assessment" Live Up to Its Name? (Anand Vaishnav); (2) No Adolescent Left Behind?…

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 study was commissioned to investigate whether or not, and if so, how, use of different assessment methods makes a difference to learner achievement and progress in the learning and skills sector (LSS). This is the first comprehensive study of assessment procedures and practices employed across the full range of LSS contexts--school sixth…