Assessment "for" learning is not the same as assessment "of" learning. Assessment of learning is assessment for accountability purposes, to determine a student's level of performance on a specific task or at the conclusion of a unit of teaching and learning. The information gained from this kind of assessment is often used in reporting. Assessment…

An overview of the function of observation systems within the context of program evaluation is illustrated by summarizing observation systems used in evaluations of primary education, compensatory education, and Follow Through programs. (Author/CM)

This study tracked three program evaluators to describe the school evaluation environment as the evaluators experienced it. It was found that evaluation utilization was low; most principals and teachers resisted evaluation, though program staff were more receptive; evaluation contact with classrooms was regulated; and schools were "doing the…

The four studies reported in this paper examined the relationship between locus of control and (1) preferences for evaluation strategies, (2) kinds of information seen as useful in decision making, (3) values placed on the usefulness and worth of evaluation, and (4) group interaction in decision making. (BW)

Evaluation utilization/use is discussed with the concept of user rationality (including examples where the rational use of evaluation results may be unclear or may be nonuse). A current project focuses on studying the process of evaluation information use and on validating a theory of use. (Author/LC)

Presents a history of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), focusing on procedural changes from 1969 to date and questions whether NAEP results should be used for accountability purposes. It recommends that NAEP should be insulated from reform efforts and that NAEP's monitoring of population levels of educational achievement…

Makes the case for a shift in the emphasis of research on student ratings of teaching in higher education. Identifies four shortcomings of student ratings as in need of attention to increase the practical usefulness of student ratings. (SLD)

Reviews research related to the foundations of biobehavioral states assessment, its use with typically and atypically developing infants, and related studies on individuals with profound disabilities. The development of state assessment procedures for individuals with profound disabilities, and their adaptations and implications for classroom use…

The evaluation course content of graduate programs in public affairs and administration programs was studied with 140 master's degree programs. Most (85%) programs provide at least one evaluation course, and evaluation is a core requirement in 49%. Courses are more likely to focus on outcomes and policy impact than management. (SLD)

Used nationwide data to examine how schools assess educational outcomes and integrate evaluation data into master's of social work (MSW) program and curriculum development. Also identifies key difficulties which programs report having encountered in addressing the Council on Social Work Education's former Evaluative Standards 1.4 and 1.5…

The seven chapters of this special issue explore problems in how to better understand the reasoning process that is used to establish evaluative conclusions. The many unanswered questions about reasoning should stimulate further investigation of the meaning of sound evaluative reasoning. (SLD)

In October 1994, legislation established a requirement that Public Health Services (PHS) programs spend at least 0.2% of appropriated funds on program evaluation. Legislative changes are a result of a study of the use of PHS set-aside funds from 1988 through 1992. They are intended to encourage more and better evaluation. (SLD)

A professional support personnel evaluation model is presented that is grounded in sound evaluation theory and conceptualized in research as well as practice. Validity, reliability, and utility are acknowledged in the seven steps of an evaluation model that balances institutional and individual needs. (SLD)

The seven articles of this special feature consider the role of evaluation in learning organizations. They draw on applications in business and industry, public schools, higher education, a community arts agency, and a foreign township to illustrate the importance of evaluation in the growth of learning organizations. (SLD)

Review and examination of the current literature on reference interview evaluation explores the degree to which such evaluative practices are both desirable and achievable. It is concluded that, if both quantitative and qualitative techniques are appropriately used, accurate mechanisms of evaluation are possible and desirable. (17 references) (LRW)