This article demonstrates how individual differences in scripts are found in verbal reports of everyday activities as well as memory for new events, those commonly used in language placement. It is concluded from previous research that in any assessment not actively discouraging idiosyncrasies individual differences will naturally result. (PB)

Use-oriented approaches to evaluation have been challenged by contentions that the responsiveness of such evaluations undermines their technical quality. This discussion analyzes purported conflicts between these evaluation criteria of utility and accuracy by examining underlying assumptions related to evaluation's purpose and politics. (TJH)

Compares the responses of administrators, teachers, parents, and students to a questionnaire about purposes, communication qualities, effects, and philosophy of student evaluations. Suggests evaluations can serve as positive educational motivators that reward student efforts and enhance student learning, while avoiding critical, negative,…

Looks at the validity and value of performance indicators used to allocate resources among and within British universities. Questions the relationship of performance indicators with actual quality of research and teaching. Considers the limited role of such indicators within a more appropriate system of appraisal. (Author/LS)

Reviews current educational software evaluation methods, highlights problems, and describes the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES), an alternative criterion based model. Panel evaluation used by YESES is explained and YESES results are compared with evaluations from the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) to indicate…

To explore the treatment fidelity of employee safety-belt programs, 614 organizations were divided into 2 groups: those that had (n=183), and those that had not (n=431) conducted an evaluation. Multiple regression analysis of associated data indicated that evaluation-active organizations were generally more active in other program areas. (TJH)

Focuses upon three current issues in educational evaluation. Looks at the limitations of examinations and the interpretation of results in considering reliability and validity. Discusses grading and context of learning relative to formative and summative assessment. Deals with cultural background when exploring uniformity of testing versus…

The Florida case of "Sweeney v. Turlington" dramatically illustrates the confusion between measurement and evaluation and how measurement-oriented evaluation systems diminish the role of the evaluator. This article discusses the implications of this case, which challenged the validity of the Florida Performance Measurement System, a…

Reviews several scales used to evaluate competency of psychotherapists. Discusses concerns about interrater reliability and predictive validity of scales. Considers competency a state-like variable, with therapists demonstrating higher competence when they skillfully treat patients across range of difficulty levels. Contends that development of…

Describes two research projects linking family processes with elementary school children's competence in school to provide examples of methodological issues related to investigations that cross systems of family and school. Issues discussed include gaining cooperation from school, recruitment and consent procedures, data collection and measurement…

Alternative sentencing becomes increasingly important as prisons become overcrowded, public monies become less available, and the positive influence of incarceration on recidivism cannot be demonstrated. A survey of 42 Wyoming probation officers examined the practices and problems involved in the utilization of mental health services as a form of…

Surveys the literature of instructional evaluation, highlighting suitable methods for encouraging, assessing, and documenting effective English instruction. Includes forms for peer review, peer observation of a discussion-based class, and self-appraisal. (SR)

Describes assessment in the German school system as regular, systematic, and officially controlled through legislation. Emphasizes that even strict grading levels combine criterion and norm referencing because teacher determination must include a subjective element. Concludes that other systems may best learn negative lessons from the German…

Neither teachers nor supervisors benefit from poor evaluation methods. Effective evaluation ultimately depends on the presence of open trust and communication within an organization. "Drive-by" shooting evaluations are often poorly disguised attempts to weed out a faculty member by confronting that person with virtually nothing but negative…

Conducted national consumer survey of preschool psychologists (n=185) regarding treatment and social validity of early intelligence tests for preschoolers with developmental deficits (n=7,223). Results demonstrated that early intelligence tests failed to be acceptable tools 43% of time and failed to document eligibility of over 3,000 young…