This article describes the use of assessment in the design and implementation stages of launching online courses and programs. While use of assessment for improving student engagement in both face-to-face and online courses has been commonly used, the authors augmented the strategic planning of programs to include assessment as a tool for…

The aim of this paper is to investigate the pedagogical suitability of using cell phones to enhance learning through social interaction in distance education. Social interaction was used as a conceptual framework to explore the potential for using "MXit"--a cell-phone instant messaging system--to support and enhance learning for distance…

The followup study of 1974 graduates of two Pennsylvania high school districts (Hazleton and Williamsport) is phase 4 of the vocational development study, a 10-year longitudinal study begun in 1968. Phase 4 evaluates the effectiveness of the school programs in preparing students for the world of work or for postsecondary education and examines the…

The growing literature on sibling relationships throughout their lifespans is of great importance to those working in the child welfare system, and in adoption services in particular. Sibling bonds are important to all of us, but they are particularly vital to children from disorganized or dysfunctional families. These relationships assume even…

This longitudinal study of middle school science teachers explored the relationship, if any, between teacher participation in whole-school, sustained, collaborative professional development and student achievement in science. Eleven teachers from Glendale Middle School participated in the Discovery Model Schools Initiative 2-week summer institute,…

Data were collected at a 15 year class reunion of 100 graduates of a work study program for educable mentally retarded students in the North Kansas City Public Schools. Ss were interviewed personally by one of their former teachers or the vocational adjustment coordinator. Among findings were the following: 64% had their own automobile; 56% lived…

This followup study traced the progress of one program assisting Jewish Ethiopian immigrants to Israel and their children, the Parents Cooperative Kindergarten (PCK) in Beer-Sheva, and examined its impact 10 years after program participation. The PCK was a daily program for young children run by paraprofessional counselors, all women from the…

The importance of international studies is examined with focus on international activities and their objectives, patterns of responding to difficult questions, and the importance of review. Goals identified include: to provide students with a less parochial perspective and to focus on the global aspects of a subject. (LC)

This longitudinal case study examined the communication and literacy learning progress of an 11-year-old boy with severe speech and physical impairments related to cerebral palsy. Integrated use of voice-output augmentative communication technology led to improved communication skills as well as increased demonstrations of literacy capability…

Reviews efforts to determine the effectiveness of the counseling component in the University of Georgia's developmental studies program, including surveys of former students and current faculty. Reports that all but one student indicated that the counseling was beneficial, while faculty felt that the program addressed important topics. (AJL)

The effects of a pull-out enrichment program (Purdue Three-Stage Model) on 10 families of participating students were explored in this retrospective study. Subjects were high school seniors (and their families) who had participated in the program during elementary school. In most cases, the program had a positive influence on both family…

This article addresses the sustainability of comprehensive school reform (CSR) models in the face of turbulent district and state contexts. It draws on qualitative data gathered in a longitudinal case study of six CSR models implemented in 13 schools in one urban district. Why do reforms sustain in some schools and not in others? How do changing…

In the last decade, the debate over state-mandated standardized testing has become one of the most heated, political debates in education. Situated within that debate and drawing from it, this paper examines the relationship among teachers, teaching, and standardized testing, using the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) as a case study…

In 1999, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) began the Outcome Project which re-focused program accreditation decisions. Six competency areas detailed new standards, calling for programs to measure and provide evidence of learner's acquisition of the knowledge and skills for independent practice in a specific specialty.…

This report fulfills the biennial requirements of RCW 28B.76.250, which directs the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) "to submit a progress report on the development of transfer associate degrees to the higher education committees of the House of Representatives and Senate each odd-numbered year." The HECB report monitors…