In assessing pupils with special educational needs in conjunction with the provisions of Great Britain's National Curriculum, three areas should be distinguished: planning the next step for pupils' learning, assessing pupils' levels of achievement, and assessing the quality of education offered. (JDD)

The retrospective evaluations of their degree courses by 8,948 British 1980 graduates suggested 2 routes of analysis--one based on respondents' satisfaction in becoming an educated person and one based on satisfaction in acquiring an interesting job with a good income. Graduates differed according to the relative importance of the route used. (DB)

At Case Western University (Ohio), medical students critically analyze the quality and cost of asthma care in the community by studying patients in primary care practices. Each writes a case report, listing all medical charges and comparing them with guidelines for asthma care. Several recommendations for improved care have emerged. (MSE)

Presents a general framework for designing sampling programs that ensure cost effectiveness, and managed errors kept within known and acceptable limits. (LZ)

Makes case for using performance assessments in career development interventions conducted in the classroom. Examples are drawn from "Pathways," a recently developed Canadian program for career development. Limitations of performance assessments are discussed, followed by recommendations for practice and research. (Author)

Describes a review by the British Columbia (Canada) College of Teachers of the origin, nature, and role of the College of Teachers and of teacher education in British Columbia. The paper outlines the comprehensive, collaborative review procedures; it explains the findings, resulting recommendations, and actions taken by the college. (SM)

Describes the development of a history assessment test by Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville) faculty. Discusses content, problems with design and cooperation, and theories of assessment testing. Includes sample questions demonstrating the cube plan, a technique that involves using a single question to measure three learning…

The first of two articles about the accreditation of library and information science schools discusses current expectations and the emphasis on outcomes assessment. The second article provides advice on preparing for and managing a site visit by the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Accreditation (COA) team. (seven references) (NRP)

When a college contracts for a product or service, the request for proposal (RFP) may be an appropriate tool. It must clearly define what is needed for fair evaluation. A rating or weighting system for costs and benefits is useful for isolating and quantifying important elements of the decision-making process. (MSE)

The practice of institutional self-study in Nigeria is examined, and its potential for enhancing educational reforms is discussed. School self-evaluation is at present disappointingly poor in Nigeria. Systematic, planned, school-based evaluation studies should be incorporated into every educational reform effort in Nigeria to effectively monitor…

Presents a model for establishing a community college student outcomes assessment program, listing types of student outcomes that should be assessed, and sources of information and measures typically used to assess the outcomes. Reviews steps in program development and in tailoring the program to the college. (DMM)

Examines the traditional role assessment has played in college placement, reasons why traditional instruments have been criticized, and alternative affective and cognitive measurements. (MG)

Trends in European practice that relate to qualitative assessment in the evaluation of the impact of research and innovation are discussed and analyzed. To date, European evaluations have been mainly concerned with quality and direct impact with few assessments of medium- or long-term impact. (SLD)

Seven chapters present 31 propositions challenging traditional ideas about the nature and practice of program evaluation. Methods to improve evaluation models and approaches and ways to address intermediate and advanced evaluation issues are explored. The discussion also serves as an introduction to the most analytical and comprehensive of the…

Empowerment evaluation is the use of evaluation concepts and techniques to foster self-determination, focusing on helping people help themselves. This collaborative evaluation approach requires both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It is a multifaceted approach that can be applied to evaluation in any area. (SLD)