A design for evaluation studies of educational programs should provide valid and defensible inferences. Goals of evaluation are the identity of major components of inferences and specific validity concerns. Design problems may be resolved by creatively utilizing features of specific evaluations in designing unique conditions that permit valid…

Focuses on the paradox existing in the American educational system today in which Americans are better educated and have higher standards of living than ever and, at the same time, popular magazines and academic journals attack the decline of academic standards. For journal availability, see SO 509 170. (DB)

Presents planning and evaluation as management tools that can reduce organizational trauma caused by external change pressures. Suggests that top management be directly involved in planning and evaluation. Lists eight characteristics of a sound organizational plan and cautions about five management areas requiring careful monitoring during periods…

A detailed examination of the events surrounding the 1932 Kidd Report in British Columbia indicates what the controversy revealed about education in British Columbia, the role of school during the depression, social class and school relationships in the province, and finally the role of democracy in the episode. (SB)

Comments on the decision of the Parliament of Europe to stress foreign language teaching in the member countries, and on the Council of Europe's efforts in curriculum planning ("threshold" and "waystage" level). Sees many problems appearing in the individual countries in forming teaching plans for their school systems. (IFS/WGA)

Explores how graduates of Cambridge University from 1851-1914 contributed expertise gained during their university years to British society, particularly the public sector in which they occupied many important positions. The term 'Naturals' refers to those who passed final exams in natural sciences and mathematics at Cambridge. (Author/DB)

Daniel Stufflebeam, professor of education and director of the Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, answers questions concerning his contributions to the field of educational evaluation including those of the CIPP (context/input/process/product) evaluation model, and the newly published "Standards for Evaluations of Educational…

Identifies some important issues in assessing impact of continuing education and helps the reader become familiar with the thinking of several evaluation methodologists on the issues. (CT)

A sample of varied materials on accreditation and certification is presented. (JD)

Questions the effects of tests on children, teachers, school districts, and parents. Advocates a redefinition of current testing practices. (CM)

Questions why some teachers are more successful than other teachers at helping students attain higher levels of mathematics achievement. Particular emphasis is given to a study of classroom behavior of a group of fourth grade teachers who were identified as relatively successful or unsuccessful in facilitating students' achievement in mathematics.…

The evaluation methods of "naturalistic inquiry" and of "judicial evaluation" support the importance of argumentation; but "The New Rhetoric; A Treatise on Argumentation" focuses on the technique of argument and neglects the problems of judging the merits of conflicting arguments and of harnessing argumentation to…

One way to improve the effectiveness of training programs is a four-step process that means getting back to basics: (1) assess employees' literacy; (2) sell basic skills training to management; (3) create trust; and (4) set up the program. (JOW)

This volume lays out the essential arguments for the need for standard setting in educational assessment, discusses standard-setting methods and applications, and reviews current issues in standard setting, including legal challenges. (SLD)

Distills recent literature on learning and assessment in higher education to extract insights useful in theological education. The most useful insights appear to be those found in the K-12 literature and parallel professions. (SLD)