A description of ecologically valid, authentic, and integrated performance-based assessment instruments of different lengths was undertaken to measure the extent by which students meet Connecticut's Common Core of Learning (CCL) objectives. The description focuses on the students' knowledge and general understanding of science and mathematics;…

This report is part of a study of school districts in British Columbia (Canada), and deals with school district ethos--interest in defined focal areas--both as a measure of school district quality and as a potential predictor of student achievement. The study concentrates on one of these focal areas--holding schools accountable through monitoring.…

Characteristics of effective teacher evaluations are reviewed, and some common teacher concerns are discussed. A teacher evaluation system should give teachers useful feedback on classroom needs, the opportunity to learn new teaching techniques, and counsel from principals and other teachers on how to make changes in their classrooms. Standards…

The Multilevel Evaluation Systems Project is exploring the requirements for information systems that could help teachers and administrators sort through, analyze, and apply comprehensive information about their students, community, instructional processes, and outcomes to improve their schools. Toward this end, a multi-disciplinary literature…

Process evaluation has great potential to meet the needs of managers who are charged with operating employment and training programs under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). One adaptation of process evaluation could make use of a personal computer to enhance the cost-effectiveness and quick turn-around time of this method of assessing the…

This paper describes the presentations made at a symposium of behavioral scientists conducting research on school disorder and delinquency prevention. The application of a climate assessment battery in organizational development and the evaluation of disciplinary programs in schools is described. The "Effective Schools Battery" (ESB)…

The purpose of the conference, "Wagging the Dog, Carting the Horse: Testing vs. Improving California Schools," was to discuss alternative perspectives on testing and evaluation in education and their role in improving teaching and learning. Four papers were presented: (1) "Using Educational Evaluation for the Improvement of California Schools," by…

The papers in this monograph address an issue of importance to educational policy and practice: the use of testing and evaluation to assess the quality of education and to facilitate school improvement. The authors consider the traditional role that testing has played in accountability and the role that assessment and evaluation can and should…

The Linking Outcomes with Organizational Planning (LOOP) process, initiated in 1984 in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District (AISD) is described. Focus is on the successful conversion to on-line computer updates and the development of a training package for key staff on writing status reports. LOOP is a nine-step process for integrating…

These three conference presentations on teacher evaluation cover gathering and using evaluation information. Robert D. Brown emphasizes the communication and trust necessary to maintaining a good working relationship during and after evaluations. Basic strategies of data gathering and reporting are covered, as well. Using a management information…

This manual provides guidelines for needs assessments based on training and development programs designed and used by business and industry. The guide defines needs and needs assessments and describes how to implement the process, using an eight-level needs assessment. Information is provided on stages of needs assessment, the process of assessing…

This technical report outlines the evaluation methodology used to conduct the 1984-85 High School Equivalency Programs/College Assistance for Migrant Programs (HEP/CAMP) National Evaluation Project, with special emphasis upon how this methodology might be adapted to meet evaluation requirements of local HEP and CAMP programs. Section 1 describes…

Two evaluation projects conducted for the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service are examined from a user-focused perspective: (1) a needs assessment of large scale commercial farmers for program development by the Office of Special Programs; and (2) a review of the extension programs in Nicollet County. Each incorporated the focus group method…

This report will be of greatest interest for persons involved in adult high school completion programs, especially those teachers, counselors and administrators who are interested in making the students' educations relevant to their daily living. Through Project PLANE, a comprehensive assessment system and a coordinated referral system was…

Given the fundamental program changes that have occurred in the nation's social programs since President Reagan took office, federal evaluation activities need to be rethought and redirected. It is critical that the utility of programs be documented, economical delivery services be developed, and redundancy of interventions be reduced to optimize…