A document retrieval study conducted before and again after the building of a more centralized library at Syracuse University is used as an example of the kind of data gathering which can lead to improved decision making and evaluation of library services by library administrators. The study is discussed in detail to facilitate replication and to…

The inputs to mathematical models of library operations require periodic updating. The data collection effort necessary for such updating can be quite expensive; however, if the data collected can serve multiple purposes, the costs can perhaps be justified. A management information system (MIS) offers a vehicle for multiple uses of data, and thus…

After a general review of approaches to the evaluation of curriculum innovations the author presents a strategy for summative evaluation based on three related activities: (1) the intrinsic evaluation of the curriculum materials that incorporate the aims, objectives, and teaching and learning strategies of the program being evaluated; (2) a…

An outline for the total scheme of evaluation in a school district is presented for administrators. Evaluation of programs, teachers, students, and materials used in classrooms is discussed with respect to identification, data collection, and decision-making. This booklet begins with a summary and a chart that is intended to help an administrator…

There are basically four dimensions to a systems analysis that we find in current educational research: (1) Collecting information, (2) analyzing input-output relationships, (3) deriving models built upon these relationships to evaluate alternatives and to derive feasible solutions, and (4) attempting to derive the best solution consistent with…

This critique of the Phi Delta Kappa Study Committee on Evaluation's report opens with a short description of the report; its definition of evaluation as "the process of delineating, obtaining, and providing useful information for judging decision alternatives," its detailed description of the decision-making process together with…

A study was conducted to investigate learner control of instruction in contrast to response sensitive branching algorithms with respect to two specific types of instructional decisions: (1) whether a student should enter and study a particular instructional module given his score on an associated diagnostic pretest; and (2) when a student should…

The basic data requirements for making educational program decisions in an accountability-oriented setting with the school principal as the focal point of the process are detailed in this report. The emphasis is on collecting and disseminating data now available within the school system. These data fall into six categories: school descriptors,…

Social studies instruction using a variety of data sources engages elementary school children in relatively autonomous collecting, organizing, and evaluating of data--processes necessary for exercising sound judgment and taking appropriate action. (RM)

Provides tips for collecting and storing information about child care and children. (HOD)

In an effort to better understand the current wave of public and nonpublic alternative schools, a study was undertaken that focused on various aspects of one particular type of alternative--the contemporary alternative school. (Author)

School system leaders are discovering the power of data for promoting school improvement. This guide provides practitioners, parents, and community with insights and tools for cultivating a districtwide culture of data-driven inquiry. Chapter 1 points out that data provide quantifiable proof, taking the emotion and rancor out of the…

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)