This paper outlines two broad paradigms of action research referring to early education programs: (1) summative evaluation through quantitative group comparisons of intelligence and achievement, and (2) formative evaluation through process-oriented observational methods with an emphasis on qualitative information. (CM)

A survey of existing research designs and accompanying techniques if presented along with brief assessments of their usefulness for programs of different types. The authors stress particularly the use of field experiments for the assessment of prospective social policies and programs. (Author/MV)

This paper argues that program evaluation research should be broadened to deal systematically with the economics of resource use at the level of the individual social service delivery agency. The argument is strengthened by the recognition that input use can be established by the same methods used to measure service delivery. (Author/MV)

Presents descriptions, advantages, and disadvantages of six needs assessment tools which can be used for continuing education: The simple checklist, the reiterated checklist, the Delphi II assessment, "asking," the matrix assessment, and the pyramid assessment. Emphasis is on the Delphi II technique. (TA)

This bibliographic essay cites general readings in curriculum evaluation for elementary and secondary teachers. The first part of the essay discusses general perspectives on evaluation. Readings on selecting an evaluation strategy or plan are cited in the second part. The essay concludes with citations dealing with how to consider the data.…

Argues that "we are moving toward the notion that the national policy-oriented evaluation may not ask a useful question--useful neither to the national policy-maker nor to the educator. On the other hand, the research question which seeks to understand the teaching/learning process (rather than to evaluate a program) may ultimately be the most…

Describes a library fund-raising plan that uses a team approach. Outlines the three phases of planning which focus on assessment, where the organization wants to be, and the means to achieve these goals. Illustrates fund-raising strategies in detail; includes sample planning worksheets, references and further reading. (AEF)

Work sampling is a research technique where workers are observed at random times and their activities recorded. Data are converted to percentages indicating the overall distribution of how time is spent in various categories. A background of work sampling, its history in libraries and the planning and implementation of a school library media study…

Fifty adults with mild mental retardation and their staff in supported living residential settings were interviewed to examine the reliability of self-reports of social support compared with staff ratings. Self-report ratings had moderate internal consistency, were consistent across rating scales, and were significantly correlated with staff…

Describes a process for developing alternative assessment instruments and student responses and illustrates the use of scoring rubrics. Focus is on the student's thought processes and student performance. (AIM)

Many Middle Eastern students in Western graduate programs in higher education wish to undertake evaluations of home country institutions, but their approaches reflect significant cultural differences. Issues confronting students and supervisors in this context are discussed, and a relatively recent "fourth generation" approach to…

Discusses a collaboration in the design and implementation of student portfolios to examine growth in foreign-language proficiency. Analysis of the portfolios showed that many factors should be considered by teachers in deciding on contents and objectives of the portfolios. (Author/JL)

While frank evaluation of instructional improvement needs is an important element in faculty development, it does not work well in a highly evaluative climate. Developmental and evaluative activities can be integrated effectively with a long-range perspective; when periodic evaluations are required, administration should reward effort without…

Describes how to create a rubric for portfolios which includes quantity and quality. Presents suggestions for implementing a two-tiered portfolio rubric. (RS)

Describes the organizational culture at Shoreline Community College (Washington) and how it supports data collection and assessment throughout the institution. Traces the development of the culture and identifies key organizational practices and characteristics underlying the college's commitment to assessment theory and practice. (Contains 12…