Reprints this editorial on guaranteed-performance contractors from the New England Reading Association Journal, Fall 1970. (MB)

Differences in program goals, theory, populations served, methods, duration, staff, and evaluation measures make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of different infant intervention programs. Formative evaluation is suggested as a way of ensuring that programs are being carried out. Where effectiveness is in doubt, process evaluation can…

An experiment designed to determine the aptitude level(s) and group size which would provide optimal feedback for formative evaluation of instructional materials found that revisions based on feedback from one-to- one sessions with a mixed aptitude group were more effective than those based on feedback from a group or single aptitude level. (EAO)

Describes a project at Bell Laboratories which sought a compromise between ideal formative evaluation procedures and more feasible procedures necessitated by restrictions on time and resources. Local-trial and field-trial stages of a phased approach are discussed, as well as the benefits of field-tests. (EAO)

The effectiveness of a slide/tape set on pesticide use was rated in this study which included pretesting-posttesting and instructor rating of students' cognitive achievement. Achievement level did not differ significantly using printed material/lectures versus slide/tapes. Recommendations centered on the importance of evaluation of new curriculum…

Deliberately involving urban education stakeholders in the Cities-in-Schools evaluation study improved the utility of the findings for formative evaluation stakeholders but not for summative evaluation stakeholders. (Author/PN)

Describes development of an instrument to define and evaluate certain aspects of the model and assess its use. Levels of implementation were significantly lower than levels of agreement with the model. Differences could not be attributed to student/staff ratio, or the training and experience of the student personnel administrator. (JAC)

Advocates the need for a systematic approach to evaluating services for those practicing private rehabilitation. Uses examples of services commonly performed in the private sector. Discusses summative and formative evaluation strategies. (Author/RC)

Discusses general principles of language testing, stressing objectivity and reliability as the key terms. However, maintains that it is impossible to obtain a direct measure of linguistic competence and consequently questions the value of standard grading procedures. Instead, proposes an evaluation system based on the achievement of specific…

Examines an instructional systems design (ISD) model used by Bell Laboratories as an illustration of how heuristics can be brought to bear upon the design and development of instructional materials. Ten references are listed. (Author/MER)

In 1980-81, 10 microcomputers were introduced into seven elementary schools and one junior high school in Hinsdale, Illinois. This article reports a survey of 22 educators' reactions, perceptions, and needs in relation to the new microcomputer program. Journal availability: P.O. Box 535, Cupertino, CA 95015. (SJL)

Recommends a comprehensive approach to course evaluation. Problems related to current approaches are discussed, and a checklist illustrating issues and questions to consider is presented. (Author)

Instructional development projects in Medical Terminology and Orientation to Hearing Aids are reviewed to demonstrate the procedural steps used and the interactive dynamics employed by development teams at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Six references are provided. (MER)

Advancements in educational testing, especially in the computerized construction of tests from item banks, are outlined and explained. It is suggested that these methods open the door to more individualized and more formative type of testing. (MSE)

Educational systems evaluation is a cyclical process of delineating, obtaining, and providing information for judging decision alternatives. As such, it encompasses much more than measurement. Methods for evaluating systems must be developed, because activities and orientations at this level differ from those of individual students, curricula, or…