Reflection and evaluation are key to improving the effectiveness of the school library resource center (LRC). The idea of measuring success may seem initially daunting, or even threatening, and be seen as yet another call on already limited time, but we should not be put off: much of the information required is already there, either explicit or…

This paper shows how the concept of general objectivity can be used to improve behavioral science measurement, particularly as it applies to the Lexile Framework, a tool for objectively measuring reading comprehension. It begins with a dialogue between a physicist and a psychometrician that details some of the differences between physical science…

This paper proposes using nontest indicators, along with academic tests, to assess school effects on youth development. Relationships between indicators and tests are explored and examples presented of nontest indicators of intellectual development, career development, and health and personal safety. Data sources for indicators are…

Explains and demonstrates time-series statistical analyses with a case example. Argues graphs and nonparometrical statistical analyses are not valid methods for evaluating behavior change due to counseling. Suggests the use of time-series statistical analyses enables counselors to employ a reliable method of measuring change in counseling…

A study to compare the impact of responsive (case study) and preordinate (questionnaire) approaches to program evaluation was conducted among 29 professional personnel affiliated with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Respondents preferred the responsive approach to the preordinate method; however, the responsive approach was more…

Describes the development of an English-as-a-Second-Language computer-adaptive test of reading comprehension. The article discusses the constraints that apply to Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and the advantages of CAT over conventional testing modalities. (29 references) (Author/CK)

Discusses three steps for evaluating an early childhood education program: identifying the evaluation objective (formative or summative), determining criteria for making value judgments (effectiveness, efficiency, fairness, acceptability, and aesthetics), and gathering evidence (quantitative and qualitative). Discusses the use of assessment tools…

We present an overview of the methodology employed in the Parents Matter! Program. Information on the following aspects of the program is presented: participant eligibility and recruitment; consenting procedures and administration of assessments; development and utilization of measures in the assessments; study design; intervention procedures;…

Since the use of bibliometric instruments has grown and will continue to grow in the future, the quality, availability, and accessibility of data on publications and citations is of tantamount importance. But equally important is a correct use of the data. This means that an important task of the bibliometric field is to highlight not only what…

Social support from intimate and confiding relationships has received a great deal of attention; however, the study of the community as a relevant source of support has been comparatively lacking. In this article, we present a multidimensional measure of community support (Perceived Community Support Questionnaire, PCSQ). Through exploratory and…

Research on perception and cognition suggests that whereas East Asians view the world holistically, attending to the entire field and relations among objects, Westerners view the world analytically, focusing on the attributes of salient objects. These propositions were examined in the change-blindness paradigm. Research in that paradigm finds…

This paper briefly reviews the early efforts at forming alumni associations and organizing alumni reunions, describes a number of the more recent alumni surveys used in assessment activities, and concludes with suggestions for conducting such surveys. First, pre-1980 alumni surveys that attempted to measure college outcomes are discussed. Next, a…

The role of the state government in higher education assessment is clearly expanding as both the state's interest and investment in higher education grows. Currently, patterns of state involvement vary widely--from indirect incentive programs to direct legislation or regulatory action. Institutional assessment and the resulting reform must be…

The assessment of student progress ("value added") between entering and leaving a college or university is important in any evaluation of an institution's effectiveness. In assessing progress, five propositions are worth noting. First, the assessment should deal with several dimensions of student growth, not knowledge alone. Second,…

A number of higher order cognitive skills are used in the task of evaluating arguments. Such skills should be assessed because the ability to evaluate arguments is an important one in all subject areas. In addition, it seems reasonable to assume that these evaluative skills will be representative of those required by other cognitively demanding…