This article presents outcomes of a 15-month project to integrate portfolios in one undergraduate special education preparation program. The process of defining portfolios, how they will be used, evaluation of portfolios, and the benefits of portfolio use are discussed, along with recommendations for future research on the efficacy of portfolios.…

Discussion of the assessment of students with disabilities receiving services in inclusive settings focuses on assessing for updating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and for guiding instruction. It considers the use of norm-referenced assessment, informal assessment, assessment for instruction, teacher observation and listening skills,…

A study explored the orientation of 32 Finnish professionals in child neurological units toward child assessment and planning. Results indicate that practices were not implemented consistently and that professionals' varying perceptions of the concept of comprehensiveness and family involvement interfered with implementation of guidelines for…

A survey of 100 college and university preaward research administration offices investigated the status of evaluation of these programs. Results suggest formal program evaluation is not a high priority among research administrators. Only 16% used formal evaluation, 53% used ad hoc evaluation, and only 20% initiated or requested evaluation.…

Statistical identification of employees with unusual sick leave patterns can result in false-positive identifications. A computer simulation model was used to evaluate alternate methods of unusual sick leave detection for the New York State Department of Health. Results were used to refine identification parameters and modify supervisory…

The superintendency in Connecticut was examined as part of the development of preliminary standards for future school superintendents. Future superintendents will need high-level skills in conceptualization to give perspective and vision across a range of functions. Six crucial roles of the superintendent are outlined. (SLD)

Discussion of the Star Schools distance-learning program focuses on equity issues that were addressed in a national evaluation. Service to elementary and secondary school students in remote rural areas and students in schools serving minority and economically disadvantaged students is examined, and policy implications are considered. (LRW)

Participant observations and key informant interviews were used in three case studies, each case corresponding to a different degree of researcher involvement in a Canadian school district's participatory evaluation. The contextual differences observed are discussed, and the usefulness of the approach to studying evaluation methods is described.…

Provides an overview of the initiatives and development of policies to establish a workable quality assurance system for institutions of higher education in South Africa in the last decade. Notes challenges such as the government's emphasis on programs of study and its requirement that quality assurance systems include institutional auditing,…

Describes service learning as a vehicle for merging current educational reform initiatives, including standards-based education and authentic assessment. Also describes a case study project and a general model for designing and assessing service learning projects. Draws implications from research on service learning, focusing on the K-12 context.…

Explores the use of an impact evaluation model across time and clientele groups that is used to evaluate exhibits from two science centers in Manila. Questionnaire and interview data indicate that students prefer exhibits that produce sound, light, and motion. (DDR)

This reprint of an article on using grade advancement as a method for meeting the needs of some intellectually or academically gifted students is preceded by a commentary that concludes that popular sentiment and negative folklore supporting grade advancement are unfounded. Grade advancement guidelines are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study compared the effects of different methods of analyzing trends to illustrate how failure to account for change in classification will lead to misinterpretation of data on the performance of students with disabilities. Data from five years of assessment in Texas is used to illustrate effects of classification changes. (Contains references.)…

Discusses how foreign language teachers at Bay Point Elementary School in Pinellas County, Florida have worked to align assessment with the teaching process. Assessment goals, materials, parent communication, the process, benefits, and evaluation results of the assessment program are highlighted. (Author/VWL)

A complex tool, data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used to evaluate the relative efficiency of major academic research libraries that are members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL). Results of a two-year base line study using traditional measures taken from 1995-96 ARL statistics are reported. (AEF)