Production function applications to improve the efficiency of educational programs require identification of inputs and outputs and the establishment of a data bank to provide information on input and output variables. This generalizable input identification model organizes inputs for systems analysis at various levels of inputs and provides a…

The purpose of this seminar, attended by 21 participants, was to examine issues, problems, and components of models for the evaluation of occupational education. A primary objective was to stimulate interest in evaluation as an object of research effort. Papers presented include: (1) "The Value Structure of Society Toward Work" by Arthur R. Jones,…

Based on an evaluation system developed by a university educator in vocational education and used in the 1971 report of the Georgia State Advisory Council for Vocational Education, this description of eight evaluation needs for vocational education presents five directional goals, six goals for various educational levels, and six goals for…

A major problem inherent in the synthesis of the Model Training Project (MTP) evaluation reports cited herein is the absence of the following: (1) a formal project evaluation design, (2) a set of adequate specifications or standards upon which to assess project activities, (3) concensus among project staff on specific criteria for project…

This quarterly publication seeks to gather the most current speculation on competency based education, its philosophical basis, and problems involved in its effective implementation. This issue presents the thoughts of five educators in the field. Parsons examines the notion of competence and competency as educational objectives, stressing the…

A description and evaluation of Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I-funded projects for the state of Arkansas is reported in this document. Fifty-seven percent of the students participating in Title I programs are white, while thirty-four percent are Latin American, American Indian or Oriental. Instructional activities in the Title I…

In 1965, Robert Kennedy initiated federal evaluation policy with ESEA. His conception of political accountability was converted into a system of cost benefit analysis, which periodically justified funding curtailments. This systems approach, similar to Taylor's Scientific Management, is inadequate as the sole evaluation tool for federal programs.…

In a study of intermediate level college economics courses, achievement levels of students taught by a problem-centered approach were compared with achievement levels of students taught by traditional lecture and discussion methods. Experimental students did no better than the control students. Additional research is suggested. (Author/DB)

Describes functions comprising task analysis process--inventory, description, selection, sequencing, and analysis--and reviews distinctions between the micro/macro level, top-down/bottom-up, and job/learning task analysis processes. These functions and distinctions are combined into a quasi-algorithm suggesting which of 30 task analysis procedures…

Concluding thoughts of offered about the evidence regarding improved learning and the role of research and evaluation in further improvements. It is suggested that continual monitoring of outcomes will be necessary because of changing times. Suggested readings are included on attrition and retention, developmental outcomes, innovation and…

Looks at the kind of work done with children on their way to being put into care. (Editor)

Colleges and universities have come under increasing pressure from various constituencies to demonstrate their effectiveness in measurable terms and to justify their existence in an era of declining resources. A critical element in meeting these demands is a systematic and comprehensive approach to assessment, which demonstrates the effectiveness…

With class-size reduction (CSR) in California now a reality, some early evaluations of the program are now possible. A contribution to this early assessment is offered here. The paper describes teachers' and parents' renewed confidence in public education despite the challenges presented by the logistics of implementing the program in the nation's…

Setting unresolved technical issues aside, there are three other changes that are needed before e-learning realizes its fullest potential. First, the basic mental model of what e-learning is must be expanded. Second, the quality of assessment within e-learning products must be improved. Third, there must be rigorous evaluation of e-learning…

This report explores changes in school policies and practices resulting from an externally mandated, high-stakes testing program. It is based on a study that investigated one Minnesota school district's transformation following the passage of a 1993 law mandating a results-oriented graduation rule. The paper outlines the role of testing programs…