This paper is a primer on sampling procedures for statewide assessment. The careful reader should gain substantial knowledge about the promises and pitfalls of sampling for assessment. The primer has three basic objectives: (1) to define terms and concepts basic to sampling theory and its application, including population, sampling unit, sampling…

Five guidelines to be used when testing black students are: (1) know the goals of testing, (2) select appropriate tests, (3) gain competency in test administration and interpretation, (4) be aware of contextual and situational factors in learning, and (5) evaluate non-test variables. (Author/AM)

An overview of the issue of national educational quality indicators is presented, based on a synthesis of the informed judgments of several respondents from throughout the world. Responses from 18 members of the International Association for Educational Assessment (from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East) are considered…

Recent developments in the efforts to formulate national educational quality standards for the United States are discussed. Topics covered include samples of indicator efforts, the impetus for indicator activity, types of indicators, and the role of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (TJH)

This study extended the research done by Conrad and Blackburn (1985) on program quality in regional universities. Researchers increased the number of departments and disciplines studied. Indicates that traditional indicators of quality may be valid, but they carry a different weight at regional universities. (RB)

Analyzes National Assessment of Educational Progress data on the computational ability of young adults 26 to 35 years of age. A high percentage of young adults can't balance a checkbook, use an income tax table, or apply simple math concepts in determining unit pricing. (Author/IRT) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document:…

U.S. public schools are responsible for educating large numbers of students with disabilities and English language learners--some 20 percent of the nation's 46 million public school students fall into one or both of these categories. Both of these populations have been increasing, and the demand for evidence of their academic progress has also…

This guide is designed to provide the framework needed to introduce a school community to the 28 student evaluation standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. It outlines workshop objectives, workshop participants, and the design and logistics for workshops to discuss the "Standards." It uses a case study…

Describes how universities in the United States have used evaluation systems to rate the quality of their programs, faculty, administrations, entire educational institutions, and the evaluation process itself. The applicability of American-style evaluation methods to German universities is considered. (AM)

Critically reviews the preceding article by Lapointe and Koffler. Suggests that many of these authors' recommendations for program improvement need qualification. (GC)

The educational evaluation utilization of 47 Title IV-C projects in Minnesota funded in FYs 1975 and 1976 is examined. Findings suggest that these evaluations have had an impact, not only at the project level, but also in contributing to the validation of exemplary projects for wider dissemination. (RL)

Presents a case for conducting exploratory rather than confirmatory research in generating hypotheses as opposed to testing them. Exploratory data analysis, the National Assessment Design, and the analysis of assessment data are explained. (RAO)

Evaluation theory building is described as depending on intellectual tradition and on thorough knowledge of the work that has been done recently in evaluation projects. (CTM)

An alternative to the problematic issues surrounding the concept of career education is found in the concept of career development education. Career development education emphasizes a person-based (as opposed to world of work) curriculum which revolves around the students' developmental needs and tasks. (Author/EC)