This meta-analysis explored how measuring progress toward long- versus short-term goals relates to contrasting outcome measures of student achievement. Twenty-one controlled studies, that provided sufficient data for the calculation of effect size, were coded in terms of measurement method (toward long- versus short-term goals) and type of…

Some special problems associated with evaluating intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) programs are addressed. This paper intends to describe alternative approaches to the assessment and improvement of such applications and to provide examples of efforts undertaken and shortfalls. Issues discussed stem chiefly from the technical demands…

This perspective on how testing and evaluation data are used and could be used for school improvement is based partly on the experience of the Austin (Texas) Public Schools and partly on their goals. Four conditions are necessary for the effective use of evaluation information: (1) real need; (2) trust in the evaluators and in the information…

Two innovative methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative data are vignettes and pre-structured cases. Vignettes are descriptions of situations or problems written by a professional, with a suggested outline and comments provided by a researcher. Advantages of this method are strength of impact of the written descriptions and efficiency of…

A large data set of student ratings of college teaching was studied to explore previous indications that student ratings are affected by the subject area of instruction. Previous research by Marsh (1984), Feldman (1978), and Cranton and Smith (1986) reported the influence of factors other than instruction. To examine the impact of subject area on…

A survey addressing the fairness of the Cincinnati (Ohio) Design for School Excellence (DSE) Merit Schools program was administered to school principals in March, 1986. The questionnaire was developed by a representative committee of elementary and secondary principals and central office personnel not directly involved in the original development…

Should portfolios replace the traditional report card or be used in conjunction with other evaluative methods? A study assessed the value of portfolios as an evaluation tool and the popularity of their use. Research supports the use of portfolios as a viable means of assessment, yet studies are inconclusive and do not support portfolios as a…

Reviews and evaluates approaches to the assessment of social skills of children, including sociometric approaches, behavior rating scales, interviews, behavioral observation, and analog role plays. The advantages and disadvantages of each assessment method are discussed, along with questions that need to be answered in any assessment. (CR)

Explores grade retention rates among children with undiagnosed learning disabilities (LD). Data collected on 344 students referred for special-education evaluation revealed that, of the 201 who possessed an LD, 71.6% had been retained at least once. Minority and urban LD students were more apt to be retained before being referred for evaluation.…

Part of the history of bilingual education and its evaluation is reviewed, and the implications for evaluation practice are discussed. Technical problems in conducting a bilingual evaluation are identified; and federal, state, and local strategies for coping with these problems are discussed. (TJH)

Three articles on evaluation in the Federal government describe a decline in budget and staff support, narrowing of the agenda to internal management issues, and the subordination of evaluation to other functions. Issues for the future of Federal government evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

Examines problems of instructional evaluation in urban schools using signal-receptor assessment theory analysis and a new type of test scoring procedure called Modified Confidence Weighted-Admissible Probability Measurement (MCW-APM). Discusses advantages of MCW-APM. (FMW)

Describes 13 methodological options for assessing student learning and development, discussing advantages, disadvantages, techniques for reducing the disadvantages, and bottomline strategies as a guideline for selecting a suitable method. Indicates that it is crucial to use a multimethod approach to obtain maximum validity. (MAB)

Presents a discussion of trying to best account for the variation resulting from guessing on a multiple-choice exam. A mathematical process is given to determine the amount of variance that could be added or subtracted from a student's score to account for guessing. Examples are provided. (MVL)

Reviews research on elementary school pupils' ratings of teacher effectiveness. Concludes adequate research exists to generalize that pupils can rate reliably, pupils may be no more vulnerable than others to rating leniency and halo, psychometric characteristics and factor structures of rating scales resemble those of college students,…