The issues discussed in these four papers concern the validity and generalizability of classroom observation instruments. These issues have been studied and are reported here in an attempt to better define the limits to which classroom observation instruments can be used in researching relationships between teacher behavior and student outcome.…

The relationships of quantitative measures of writing skills to overall writing quality as measured by the E.T.S. Composition Evaluation Scale (CES) were examined. Quantitative measures included indices of language productivity, vocabulary diversity, spelling, and syntactic maturity. Power of specific indices to account for variation in overall…

A detailed description is provided of the variable allocated learning time (ALT), which is part of the analysis in phase I of the Evaluation of Practices in Individualized Schooling. The variable is defined; the questionnaires on which the variable is based are listed, the procedures used to scale the variable are explained; the distribution of…

Since the administrative evaluation of faculty at the University of New Haven has been hampered by the faculty's distrust of student input, this study aimed to improve the faculty's confidence in student evaluations of instruction. A student evaluation of instructors was statistically compared to grades issued by the instructors, and to class…

College instructors evaluted the quality of their own teaching and were evaluated by their students in 331 different courses. Student evaluations of teaching correlated with instructor self evaluations in courses taught by teaching assistants, in undergraduate courses taught by faculty, and in graduate level courses, demonstrating their validity…

In establishing educational goals through the Delphi technique, convergence of perception is of paramount interest. Progress toward integrated schools and changing sex roles make the perception of educational goals by groups defined by race and sex of practical significance. In three studies involving panels of community leaders, educators, and…

Comparisons were made of test scores derived from a sample of American Indian students attending grades 2 through 10, living in a Bureau of Indian Affairs dormitory, and enrolled either in an English as a Second Language Program (N=43) or in the regular school program (N=87) to determine ESL impact on Indian students' English vocabulary,…

To determine whether change orientation was a measurable characteristic of vocational teachers, an instrument was developed consisting of eight attitude subscales designed to measure change orientations relating to: (1) reducing the number of under-prepared people entering the labor market, (2) meeting the needs of disadvantaged students, (3)…

Reviews research and development in media and computer based classroom simulations, emphasizing feasibility and reliability, presentation modes, and benefits. Areas of further study are highlighted, including transfer of training, degree of realism necessary, and correlation with instructional theories; specific variables for study are also…

A Daily Physical Activity (DPA) Initiative was implemented in all schools in Alberta starting in September 2005. The expected outcome of the DPA Initiative is to increase the activity levels and healthy habits of students and, in part, address related issues such as chronic disease. As part of the first tier of the DPA Initiative evaluation study,…

London School of Economics and Political Science (England) course evaluations were used to examine whether teachers assessed differently across courses have distinguishing characteristics, and whether courses assessed especially discrepantly for one teacher have distinguishing features. Results show course-level characteristics (class size, number…

Using portfolios in assessing literacy is explored, considering student portfolios and the teacher's class portfolio. Portfolio assessment is a valuable complement to externally mandated tests, but technical issues must be addressed if the portfolio movement is to survive. Portfolios must be linked to the broader task of instructional improvement.…

A survey of respondents and nonrespondents to the Vocational Education Data System's follow-up survey of Massachusetts community college graduates was designed to measure response bias. The survey investigated employment patterns, wages, and degree of job relatedness. Results suggest original data was biased, if at all, toward underestimation, not…

Discusses attributes of library leaders that are based on a study of library leaders from academic, public, and school libraries; library school deans; and national library association executives. Four recurring characteristics are highlighted: intensity; communication and listening skills; consistency and the ability to develop trust; and…

Reports on a study of Web-based learning environments in Singapore that focuses on the cross-validation of the Geography Classroom Environment Inventory (GCEI) which assesses undergraduate students' perceptions of psychosocial aspects of their Web-based instruction. Examines gender equity, instructional innovation, internal consistency…