It is generally thought that evaluation originated with the civil service exams that were administered in ancient China. However, modern evaluation and, of particular importance to this article, evaluation standards, originated in the United States. Why this occurred is part of a larger question about the development of social and educational…

The effective evaluation of educational projects is becoming increasingly important to funding agencies and to the individuals and organizations involved in the projects. This brief "how-to" guide provides an introductory description of the purpose and basic ideas of project evaluation, and uses authentic examples from four different astronomy and…

This paper reports on a field-based study of online help systems at the University of Maryland. After collecting data by means of interview, observation and focus group, analysis is grounded on the contextual data, thus shedding light on particular organizational and human behavioral issues on online help systems. The objectives of this research…

Authors examined the logic (or the implicit theory) underlying 16 abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in Texas (50% of all programs funded under the federal welfare reform legislation during 2001 and 2002). Defined as a set of propositions regarding the relationship between program activities and their intended outcomes, program staff's…

The Scottish Qualification for Headship (SQH) is a national development programme designed to develop the leadership and management skills, abilities and values of aspiring head teachers. This article first outlines the context within which the qualification is set before describing some previous evaluations on aspects of the programme. Unlike…

Based on an interview with Dr. PeiYao Chen, a research analyst with Girls Incorporated, this article explores how the "Girls Study Girls Inc." participatory research project was conducted, what it meant for those involved, and what other programs can learn from it.

What is the most effective approach to teaching enterprise? A residential week-long event brought together students and tutors from a variety of backgrounds and with differing expertise. The result was a melting-pot of ideas, some of which generated new businesses. This article critically examines the approach taken on the first of what have…

The purpose of this mixed method research is to understand and support educators' continuing learning and growth better by using a lens of transformative learning to examine their experience and professional development practice and responsibility. Data from 58 participants and the course professor are analyzed to consider the occurrence of…

In this article, the author presents eight quick and easy steps to setting up a "grow your own" administrator program to help school districts fill open positions with qualified administrators. These are: (1) Invite cabinet members and directors to conduct two-hour workshops; (2) Write and send out a letter to all teaching and support staff…

In this article, the author explains the importance of annual reporting on the status of professional development programs in the district. An annual evaluation report serves at least three functions: (1) it can help respond to a growing demand for data on results; (2) it provides historical documentation; and (3) it can be a powerful catalyst for…

Accountability is now a requirement in education, and that extends to professional development. Leaders must understand what evaluation is, what its purposes are, and the critical levels of professional development evaluation to be able to provide meaningful data that demonstrate the difference professional learning makes.

The objectives and procedures of schools and other social institutions are surely, if often slowly, altered by continuing cultural changes. In recent years the American public school in particular has had to undertake many new functions and obligations . As a result, there has developed wide-spread doubt that traditional patterns of teacher…

"The Complete Guide to Service Learning" is the go-to resource in the fast-growing field of service learning. It is an award-winning treasury of service activities, community service project ideas, quotes, reflections, and resources that can help teachers and youth workers engage young hearts and minds in reaching out and giving back. Author, and…

This report presents findings from a NASA requested evaluation in 2008, which contains both implementation and impact modules. The implementation study investigated how sites implement Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) and the contextual factors important in this implementation. The implementation study used data…

Education in emergencies comprises learning opportunities for all ages. It encompasses early childhood development, primary, secondary, non-formal, technical, vocational, higher and adult education. In emergency situations through to recovery, quality education provides physical, psychosocial and cognitive protection that can sustain and save…