Management by Objectives (MBO) should focus on objectives to be achieved and the establishment of objectives should involve participation between superior and subordinate. A process is described for facilitating the communications aspect of MBO through the use of a process consultant. (Author/MLF)

A business administration program in England introduced the use of formative (20 percent) as well as summative (80 percent) evaluation in assessing student performance. Since the practice began in 1974 it seems to have helped improve student grades in all subjects it affects. (MSE)

Three basic evaluation styles are discussed: (1) Process approach--organization, comportment and presentation; (2) Presage--qualifications, personal qualities, physical appearance; (3) Product--learning outcomes. The pros and cons of these evaluation styles are presented, and suggestions are made to make evaluation more useful in determining…

Formative evaluation of a physics curriculum unit (PLON) is reported. Phase one used general ideas and many instruments; phase two focused on specific questions arising from phase one. Findings suggested that relating curriculum content to ability to think about and explain a task was a prerequisite for student satisfaction. (CP)

Presents a checklist of characteristics useful for planning an evaluation study intended to demonstrate the range of options available to client and decision maker. A series of questions is proposed focusing on the scheduling of evaluations, and recommendations are made for their design. (Author/JEG)

Article is a description of an evaluation conducted by the center for New Schools for an innovative program in the Cleveland Heights, Ohio schools. The rationale for the use of ethnographic methods and problems that arose from the CNS experiences are discussed. (RW)

Criteria for assessing achievement, progress, and attitudes of students as individuals are discussed. (RW)

Describes the development and analysis of the Test of Understanding Graphs in Kinematics (TUG-K) and reports the results of a study aimed at uncovering student problems with interpreting kinematics graphs. Proposes a model for creating multiple choice tests which can be used as diagnostic tools. Contains 34 references. (DDR)

Grading profiles for formative and summative assessment in a British nursing school were designed with criterion referencing to improve validity and interrater and intercourse reliability. Assessment was conceptualized as an ethical activity that clarifies expectations through specification of criteria. (SK)

This article reports the results of a formative evaluation of an all boys pull-out gifted program in China. Twenty-six seventh-grade gifted students were placed in regular classes but were successfully taught a differentiated curriculum in science, mathematics, and computer science in special pull-out classes. (CR)

Discussion of quality assurance strategies in university distance education programs focuses on a quality assessment designed around five components: administrative leadership and support, ongoing program concerns, Web course development, student concerns and needs, and faculty concerns and needs. Explains the University of Central Florida's…

Discusses the importance of modeling effective evaluation practice as teachers teach about evaluation. Using the critical incidents evaluation tool and process students in graduate evaluation courses were asked to reflect on their learning of modeling formative evaluation throughout the course as a way to teach about evaluation practice. (SLD)

Surveyed beginning teaches, support providers, site administrators, and program staff in local California Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment programs regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness of various program elements in fostering reflective teaching, examining policy intents, program goals, and teachers' understandings of their…

Describes the Best Practice Research Scholarship (BPRS) project designed for teachers which supports development of formative assessment strategies. Uses mentors to provide guidance to teacher research groups. (YDS)

Describes "Placemark," an online tool for creating and managing Web pages within a school or district Web site. Topics include interviews with teachers to determine their needs, which centered around creating instructional materials and activities; online newsletters for parents; feedback to test the interface; formative evaluation; and…