Performance benchmarks are proposed to assist undergraduate psychology programs in defining their missions and goals as well as documenting their effectiveness. Experienced academic program reviewers compared their experiences to formulate a developmental framework of attributes of undergraduate programs focusing on activity in 8 domains:…

High-stakes writing assessments currently exert a strong influence on the writing curriculum and instruction in schools across the United States. Under these circumstances it is important to examine the construct of writing competence on which these assessments are based, as well as the extent to which this construct supports the goals of…

The aim of this article is to argue that the evident exchange of information on performance (and its supply, demand and use) should be regarded as a symptom of a new governmental regime that installs less evident power relations. Educational policy in Flanders (Belgium), and in particular the need for feedback information from the Flemish…

This study identifies a core set of geography standards and benchmarks that have been identified as exemplary and are used by a significant number of educators in the Central Region served by McREL (Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming). Specifically, the study provides a list of the knowledge and skills…

This study estimated the amount of time required to teach standards at four grade levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) as compared to the time available for instruction. Teachers from four districts in Wyoming, Colorado, and North Dakota made three types of judgments regarding each benchmark within a standard: amount of time needed to teach a given…

Provides survey data from 55 large, multinational companies on outsourcing, training expenditures, learning technologies, delivery systems, and performance evaluation. Notes an increase in outsourcing, centralized training, classroom delivery, and use of the Internet. (JOW)

After a brief discussion about the evolution and status of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), summarizes some of what has been learned so far about the engagement patterns of different groups of students and some of the questions and challenges the NSSE results raise. (EV)

From reporting structure to staffing, internship and co-op professionals share "inside" information about their experiential programs and personnel in response to a survey. (GCP)

Describes the evaluation of four relational database management systems (RDBMSs) (Informix Turbo, Oracle 6.0 TPS, Unify 2000 and Relational Technology's Ingres 5.0) to determine which is best suited for library automation. The evaluation criteria used to develop a benchmark specifically designed to test RDBMSs for libraries are discussed. (CLB)

Examines traditional numerical methods of future space-needs projections and allocations and presents an approach based on space-per-faculty-member projections. Presents results of a unique national space-benchmarking study covering data on space-per-faculty-member projections in nine Research I universities. (GR)

Explains the need to establish a national system of standards for public libraries. Discusses local standards, state standards, and international standards, and suggests adopting a tiered approach including three levels: minimum standards; target standards; and benchmarking standards, as found in total quality management. (LRW)

Discusses what benchmarking is and reflects on the importance and development of benchmarking in universities on a national and international level. Offers examples of transnational benchmarking activities, including the International Benchmarking Club, in which South African higher education institutions participate. (EV)

With systems of accountability for student achievement now widely in place, state policymakers and others are applying the principle on another front by trying to hold schools more responsible for how they spend their money. Auditors in some states regularly calculate the percentages that districts spend on classroom resources compared with…

This paper examines the practice of benchmarking universities using a "league table" approach. Taking the example of the "Sunday Times University League Table", the author reanalyses the descriptive data on UK universities. Using a linear programming technique, data envelope analysis (DEA), the author uses the re-analysis to…

There is little empirical evidence documenting the development activities of academic units in colleges and universities. This study attempts to bridge the knowledge gap by examining the development practices of graduate schools, which confront special challenges in their efforts to generate private support. Results from a survey of member…