The formative-summative distinction in evaluation is defended as a reasonable way to classify evaluation activities. Context ultimately defines the formative or summative functions of evaluation. The characteristics of an evaluator are defined, and points of agreement with the other contributors to the forum are noted. (SLD)

Articulates a framework that can place the Outcomes Based Education movement in a historical context and by so doing advance its discourse on assessment. Reviews the development and structure of the Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (B. Bloom et al., 1956) and the structure of Student Outcome Statements in Western Australia and explores the…

Responds to previous article by Merluzzi on cognitive assessment and the clinical applications of self-statement assessment. Basically agrees with Merluzzi's perspective, but attempts to add and elaborate on Merluzzi's presentation. Discusses assessment of cognitive products, validity and psychometric considerations, and going beyond positive and…

A study involving 547 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) examined the validity of Gerben DeJong's categories of Living Arrangement and Productivity Status to assess overall independent living. Results confirmed the face validity of these categories. A sample of 28 rehabilitation professionals and individuals with SCI validated ranking…

Investigates structures of commercial Web sites, and analyzes patterns that emerge, which may be of future use as guidelines to businesses intending to establish a Web presence. Discusses classifying Web sites, explains the theory of flow, and describes an experiment with college students who evaluated Web sites and measured flow. (Author/LRW)

This article discusses the process of assessing social skills with students who have emotional and/or behavioral disorders. It describes a three-stage problem-solving model of problem identification, problem analysis, and treatment evaluation. Specific social skills assessment strategies are described and linked to a classification system of…

An operational definition for "rural area" is pivotal if proposals, policies and decisions aimed at optimising the distribution of resources, closing the gap on inequity between areas and raising standards of living for the least advantaged populations are to be put in place. The concept of rurality, however, is often based on…

This article provides an overview of the 2002 American Association on Mental Retardation's (AAMR's) "Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports" (the 2002 System) and discusses its relationship to salient international trends and several scientific and judgmental issues currently impacting the field of intellectual disabilities (ID). Five…

This research effort compared and contrasted two conceptually different methods for the exploration of human anatomy in the first-year dissection laboratory by accomplished students: "physical" dissection using an embalmed cadaver and "digital" dissection using three-dimensional volume modeling of whole-body CT and MRI image sets acquired using…

In this article, the authors examine the components of leadership for learning employing research on highly productive schools and school districts and high-performing principals and superintendents, using a three-dimensional model of productivity. The knowledge base of leadership for learning is captured under eight major dimensions: vision for…

Professionals responsible for educational research, evaluation, and statistics have sought to provide timely and useful information to decision makers. Regardless of the evaluation model, research design, or statistical methodology employed, informing the decision making process with quality, reliable data is a basic goal. The definition of…

Presents a conceptual framework for classifying and evaluating different comparative advertising formats on two multi-level dimensions. Provides examples of applicable research questions. (RL)

The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) is a household survey conducted periodically by the Department of Education that evaluates the literacy skills of a sample of adults in the United Stages ages 16 and older. NAAL results are used to characterize adults literacy skills and to inform policy and programmatic decisions. The Committee on…

Common concerns about salary administration in Chicago area colleges are reviewed, and a salary administration system responding to these concerns is described. The system's key concept is that the job's functions or activities are evaluated factor-by-factor, resulting in a definition of the critical job abilities, usable in hiring and promotion.…

Presents a tongue-in-cheek system for classifying educational administrators into four categories (Artful Dodger, Commander in Chief, Leader of the Pack, and Facilitating Master) according to leadership style and administrator characteristics. A brief sampler survey is included. (JAC)