A review of the research literature on systematic instructional design indicates that few empirically supported guidelines exist for testing materials under development and for improving materials on the basis of feedback from potential learners. In an analysis of 17 textbooks on instructional design, eight specific aspects to be considered in…

Phase II of a three-phase study developed a statewide overview of compensatory education in Texas and examined instructional practices and other variables related to a broad definition of student success. Questionnaires (developed in Phase I) received from 3,235 campuses (a 55% return) collected descriptive information on compensatory programs and…

This paper discusses the design, development, and results of a one-year pilot implementation of an emerging issues tracking system by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) for state-level educational policymakers and decision makers known as SEDL-SCAN. SEDL-SCAN offers policy-makers lead time on crises by flagging emerging…

An effective method for assessing responsiveness to adult undergraduates in institutions serving primarily traditional-age students is described. Information from previous literature was applied to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in order to gather quantitative data on usage of certain practices plus a sense of campus receptivity to,…

This workshop presentation discusses the importance of a positive classroom environment in the early childhood center in helping children develop their potential. The evaluation of centers and the effects of a negative environment on young children are considered. The presentation also deals with the interpretations and implications for treatment…

This paper discusses homework policy as a product of 50 years of experimental research. Part 1 discusses homework guidelines in grades 3 through 8 by suggesting that homework should be assigned, graded, and individualized. In addition, homework should provide feedback about student achievement that includes parental monitoring. Part 2 recommends…

The Flint (Michigan) Community Schools developed a four-phase School Improvement process model. In Phase 1 (Commitment), school district and administrative support were obtained and pilot schools were selected (one elementary and one middle school). The principals of these schools and one teacher representative from each received training in…

Mandates for improvement in the quality of instruction at the precollege level require that improved continuing educational opportunities by made available to the teachers of all science subjects. Physical science courses, along with biology, make up the general science requirement used by most high school students to meet graduation requirements.…

A 1986-87 survey of 105 local education authorities (LEAs) in England, Scotland, and Wales was conducted to ascertain the LEAs' responses to the 1981 Education Act mandate to keep special educational provision under review. Of 74 responding LEAs, 2 had not started reviews, 20 had reviews underway when surveyed, 11 said special education was…

Assessment in higher education is shifting from the state house to the college campus. Information is provided to help campus administrators make the best decision regarding their institutions. A general perspective is offered to senior administrators with little previous experience in systematic assessment. Section I, "Assessment: What Is It…

The primary aim of this research project was to assist elementary classroom teachers in developing and using appropriate techniques for assessing and recording their students' achievement in science (taught as a core subject or as part of an environmental studies topic). The project was designed with the intention of providing a supportive…

The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant relationship existed between nursing students' scores on the Mosby Assess Test and the students' scores on the National Council Licensure Examination. The subjects consisted of 172 nursing students in their last semester of the Associate Degree Nursing program at the Eastern Kentucky…

Introductory material offers observations useful to British readers regarding a Canadian educational program assessment manual, which is the main component of this document. The manual was developed at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and revised based upon the experiences of the biological sciences technology and broadcast technology…

For the 3 school years beginning in 1983 and ending in 1986 an average of 57,000 students in grades 1 through 8 of the public schools of Louisiana was not promoted annually to the next grade. The annual rate of failure ranged between 11.37 and 12.24 percent of the student enrollment. This study, which provides a look at the nature and scope of…

This paper offers a guide for a dual purpose evaluation plan that can provide information for local program managers and simultaneously serve the accountability and reporting needs of a state legislature, district office, or other policy making body. The dual focus approach has two advantages: (1) it provides a common information base for…