This paper reflects on the author's participation in two government-sponsored educational software development projects that used a holistic design paradigm in which classroom formative assessment and teacher input played a critical role in the development process. The two project were: R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment)--a…

This paper describes an ongoing program of collaborative school evaluation that involves student teachers, teachers, local authority representatives, and university teachers/researchers working in partnership in schools across a region in southwest England. Focus is on showing ways in which collaborative school evaluation, based on an action…

This paper describes the research agenda at Technology Based Learning and Research (TBLR) at Arizona State University, whose primary research mission is to provide information to guide the development and subsequent application of its technology based instruction (TBI) products. It is noted that the research question at the heart of the agenda is…

An integrated curriculum offering regular high school science courses as well as special interdisciplinary courses at the learning disabled, average, and advanced ability levels, and courses and internships in health professions was implemented in a Kansas City high school. A formative evaluation of the Southeast Health Professions Magnet High…

An evaluation of the first year of the Carver Latin Grammar Magnet Elementary School (CLG) in Kansas City, Missouri, is reported. Students are required to sign a contract and agree to adhere to criteria regarding conduct, to maintain high levels of academic performance, and to wear uniforms. The program is evaluated in terms of enrollment goals…

This guide is intended as a resource for school or school district leadership teams who desire to rethink the teacher evaluation process. Three chapters address the task of designing a teacher evaluation system that encourages self-reflection and continuous improvement, as well as the personal and professional growth of experienced teachers. The…

A project promoted job literacy skills, improved worker productivity, and completed job-related literacy training covering the three phases of textile manufacturing. It created successful job-related training programs for greige mill and finishing plant employees through the following methods: conducting task analyses, modifying and creating…

Multimedia computer technology and modified case methodologies were used to encourage and facilitate the process of reflection by beginning teachers. A computer-based multimedia system was developed and tested that features prespecified cases for analysis, facilities for linking various aspects of one case to other cases, and capabilities for…

This report discusses "multimedia" instruction as it applies to successful learning environments at Bank Street College of Education (New York), ranging from pre-electronic to electronic. In four of the interviews detailed, a Bank Street College professor, researcher, and two Bank Street School for Children teachers offer different perspectives…

By January of the 1991-92 school year, 428 children were being served by the Chapter 1 Prekindergarten Program of the Saginaw, Michigan school district. A process evaluation was conducted to monitor the program and assess whether the program was being implemented as planned. The process evaluation for this year consisted of a half-day classroom…

A 2-phase study provided summative information on the status of the statewide implementation of California's federally funded migrant program and also provided confidential formative information to program participants at district, regional, and state levels. Guided by an advisory panel, phase I was conducted in 1980-1981 and covered all grade…

This report is the first of four that stem from a study of The Impact of Approved Induction Programs on Student Learning (IAIPSL), conducted by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and funded by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The IAIPSL study began in July 2002 and continued through April 2004. The purpose of the study is…

Although experts overwhelmingly support the idea of using assessment to improve college instruction, most testing programs call for summative evaluation or accountability rather than formative evaluation. In using assessment to improve instruction it is essential to examine what decisions should be made in order to improve instruction.…

The role of expert judges in establishing the content validity of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE) was examined in a detailed study. The NTE are used in 22 states for screening applicants to teacher education programs and/or for screening candidates for initial teacher certification. Such extensive use of the NTE has stimulated 35 recent…

Developed by early childhood educators at the classroom, system, state, and university levels and tested in six school systems, this handbook has been prepared to help kindergarten teachers in Georgia plan, implement, and evaluate their own programs. In addition to introductory material stating the philosophy of the program, principles of child…