This resource is part of a series of reports about challenges facing statewide science assessments and innovative solutions states are enacting to meet those challenges. Deciding to implement a system of assessments is a critical step toward ensuring that all students are getting the high-quality science education they need--but it is also…

"Transforming Science Assessment: Systems for Innovation," is a series of resources designed to provide state education leaders with: (1) Information about how states are currently pursuing statewide assessment systems in science; (2) Analyses of what features influence different approaches, with an eye to supporting state leaders as…

Two purposes for early childhood assessment systems are informing program development and providing accountability. Based on findings from a case study of a local Head Start program implementing the National Reporting System (NRS) in 2004-2005, we provide 5 lessons learned from experiences with the NRS that may have implications for other…

Over the past decade or so there has been increasing concern over the unprecedented wave of retirements of community college leaders, from department chairs all the way to presidents. There are three different venues for developing future leaders in order to offset this deficiency: university-based formal degrees, professional and continuing…

The Head Start National Reporting System (NRS) exemplified an assessment system where significant ambiguity existed regarding its purpose(s). This article considers the perceived purposes of the NRS from a local program perspective through observations and interviews with staff members during the 2004-2005 school year. This study found that a…

The need for a "third dimension" of formative evaluation in reformulating the goals and design of new education programs is argued. The methods developed to meet this need in the context of the recently completed Florida Linkage System (FLS) project are briefly described. (Author/GK)

This monograph defines program evaluation as the process of placing a value on a program, with the two major benefits of evaluation being those of expanding the base for decisionmaking, and the providing of information to motivate the individual, or unit, to improve performance. Most importantly, program evaluation is needed to determine if a…

Using a contextual model for evaluation, a goal-oriented method was applied to the health psychology doctoral program at the University of California--San Francisco. The results indicated significant faculty/student differences in rating educational and resource objectives. (Author/CM)

A balanced reading program must--in addition to providing for children's reading skill needs--include a well-planned "affective component" which provides for the development of their interests, attitudes, and personal values in relation to reading for information and enjoyment. (Author)

It is a necessity that physical education programs and curriculum respond to changes in society, and a further necessity that visible and innovative programs be developed which may be used as models by various schools for purposes of emulation, modification, and evaluation. It is the responsibility of those in higher education with special…

The process of assessing the learning needs of a target population involves goal and objective definition, program assessment, needs identification, and decision making. A variety of needs assessment models with applications to many different situations are discussed. (FG)

Unlike classical experimental evaluation techniques, this evaluation design is intended to accommodate maximum flexibility and a dual purpose: to learn from the program under scrutiny and to help the program in its efforts. The program being evaluated here is the PUSH for Excellence (PUSH-EXCEL) Program whose activities focus on promoting an…

The importance of evaluation and needs assessment balance in the planning cycle of adult education program development is discussed. A 10-step Problem Analysis Model is offered and explained to help educators develop an integrated, reality-based program that identifies a target group and defines and prioritizes needs. (DF)

The procedures used in the initial development of a Mathematics Laboratory within the Individually Prescribed Instruction (IPI) Mathematics Program are reported. The thesis of the report is that in the development of educational programs, especially those which are complex, attention should be directed both to the design of the program and the…

Mali, in choosing democratic education within a decentralised context, has made a clear choice as to the importance of the role that communities and territorial collectivities should play in the profound change and reform of the educational system. This reform will only happen if the communities, territorial collectivities, and all the actors…