Describes an evaluation model which employs available data for curriculum evaluation; discusses three modes for its use; and reports on tests of the model. Its components are: enrollment characteristics, cost analysis, instructional conditions, student success, and utilization of instructional space. Tables illustrate the model. (MB)

A discussion of secondary education curriculum reform, particularly in Eastern and Central Europe, examines potentially conflicting concerns characterizing the current reform debate: stronger national policies alongside calls for curricula responsive to local needs; broad versus core curricula; central versus decentralized control of assessment;…

Describes the implementation and evaluation of the second year of a three-year pilot project to teach Japanese to students at a Pittsburgh elementary school. Analyses of students' performance indicate that they progressed considerably in developing proficiency in Japanese and that their teachers believed that more could be done to incorporate the…

A high school teacher in rural Georgia who has used the 11 Foxfire Core Practices for seven years describes how they have helped her enable students to guide their own learning and think for themselves. Her classes' high scores on state writing tests and Spanish competitions are further testimony to the viability of the practices. (TD)

Describes the Fantastic Follow Through Project at the Fairfield Court Elementary School in Richmond (Virginia), a partnership serving children through grade three and their families by linking home, community, and school. Program evaluation findings support the usefulness of the approach. Recommendations are made for program improvement. (SLD)

Evaluation of the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) city-state partnership examined: whether BCPSS improved student achievement and system management, whether improvements related to new state-mandated governance structures, and whether levels and use of funds were sufficient. Highlights data collection and methodology, student test…

Describes the philosophy and practical steps involved in doing outcomes assessment on student services. Discusses several assessment models, with special attention placed on Nichol's outcomes assessment template. Describes the process as applied at Lower Columbia College (Washington). (Contains two tables and seven references.) (NB)

Notes specific concerns with Dickinson's (2002) assertion that the processes used to measure the quality of out-of-home care for young children have begun to lag behind recent developments in the field and that there is a lag in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's accreditation standards. Questions the usefulness of…

The primary aim of the training information specialists (TRAIN-ISS) program at the University of Sheffield's Department of Information Studies was to train information service specialists from the less favored regions of the European Union. Describes the course design; selection of participants; student assessment, support, and placement; program…

Examines the progress of problem-based learning in the University of Colorado (Denver)'s educational administration program, stressing the roles of multiple design innovations, multiple intelligences, and constructivist approaches. Program developers learned five major lessons: clarifying roles, linking assessments with standards, defining the…

Alongside increasing demand for faculty to do more teaching, research, and community service, there is increasing pressure to improve the quality of academic work. The relationship between quantity and quality of academic work is complex, and achieving higher quality requires that academics, administrators, and funding bodies have a better…

Discusses a study conducted at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia) to reassess the need for information literacy programs, identify factors influencing non-attendance, and evaluate program impact. Concluded that information literacy was needed, participants found the programs useful, and one-on-one methods coupled with…

This case study used individualized communication for interviewing people with intellectual disability in outcome and quality of life research. Researchers developed a flexible communication strategy for involving service users, drawing on core, local and individual vocabularies and using signs, graphic symbols and photographs to supplement spoken…

A study involving 185 high school students with learning disabilities explored their views of high school. While participants enjoyed the opportunity to socialize with peers, they found specific classes boring or too difficult. Participants were much more likely to report advantages to staying in school than disadvantages. Recommendations are…

This paper describes a British local education authority project to provide support for the families of children with autistic spectrum disorders. Parents particularly valued the following: input of the support worker; support to "make sense" of their child's development; practical strategies for facilitating language and interactive…