Across Canada, a range of approaches to assessment reflects different theories of organizational change and contrasting views of the purpose of education. Saskatchewan's accountability framework is based on shared principles about appropriate evaluation, jointly developed by education stakeholders. Features include cooperation and shared…

For a number of years it has been suggested that distance education is a natural extension of existing teaching methods that includes learners who are separated from the instructor by time or distance. This paper takes an alternative look at distance-education research and evaluation and proposes an evaluation model built on that view. That…

This book, which is designed for use by adult educators, details a comprehensive, systematic approach to designing instruction for adult learners that is based on a process of identifying learning goals and objectives, developing learning activities to meet those goals and objectives, and designing evaluation procedures to ensure that the goals…

This paper discusses the development of a sociocultural and local, context-sensitive base for guidance in selection and evaluation of instructional media. The development of system relationships criterion specifically targeted at 16mm educational film is the focus of the paper. Banathy's educational systems model is used as a base upon which…

This resource guide outlines procedures for efficiently and effectively planning and implementing transition programming for at-risk students. Based on a review and synthesis of needs assessment systems in transition programs, a flow chart is presented showing step-by-step procedures recommended for local transition needs assessments. Steps in the…

This publication presents an instructional system design (ISD) which is a systematic procedure for assuring the application of planning and organization to vocational programs. The resulting instructional system, according to the author, is an integrated combination of resources, students, instructors, materials, equipment, techniques, and…

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of systems analysis as applied to the development of a program evaluation plan. A brief review of selected concepts in evaluation theory (Lee J. Cronbach; Michael Scriven; Robert Stake; Daniel Stufflebeam), a description of general systems theory, the development of a…

Describes Partnerships for Inclusion, a North Carolina statewide project providing technical assistance (TA) to communities as they develop and coordinate inclusive services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. Outlines the model's development, the project's core services, strategies for promoting…

Discusses the evaluation of library reference service; examines problems with past evaluations, including the lack of long-term planning and a systems perspective; and suggests a method for continuously monitoring and improving reference service using quality improvement tools such as checklists, cause and effect diagrams, Pareto charts, and…

Discusses limitations of "Comparing Distance Learning and Classroom Learning: Conceptual Considerations," Smith and Dillon's physical science view of educational technology. Suggests that a systems approach is necessary to describe distance education and define a set of principles and rules for its effective use, as well as a set of criteria to…

In the rapidly changing information environment, libraries have to demonstrate that their services have relevance, value, and impact for stakeholders and customers. To deliver effective and high quality services, libraries have to assess their performance from the customer point of view. Moving to an assessment framework will be more successful if…

Statewide learner competency and assessment systems in 11 states were examined. Information was gathered through telephone interviews and a review of materials on the learner competency and assessment systems being used/developed in each state. Special attention was paid to the states' activities regarding development of the following: systematic…

This is one of a series of reports based on an ongoing reality test of systemic evaluation for instructional decision making. This feasibility study is being carried out by the Center for the Study of Evaluation with the Laboratory in School and Community Relations at a suburban Los Angeles high school (called Site A). Viewing a school as a…

The Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Education developed a six-stage evaluation model for local school districts that emphasized the values of involvement, communications, self-evaluation, cooperation, comprehensiveness, continuity, and coordination. The model includes the four components of people, purposes, programs, and products. The initiation and…

Some of the historical developments which have influenced educational evaluation are the importance of operationalism and behavioral objectives; curriculum reform; the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; and school and teacher accountability. Major problems related to current evaluation practices include negative attitudes toward evaluation,…