The basic structure and concepts of a system for training program staff in self-evaluation are described. This training system aims to be competency-based and largely self-instructive. This paper is the first component in the training system and serves as an introduction and description of the rest of the system. (Author)

The Delaware Educational Assessment Program accountability model is based on the performance assessment procedure initially described by Dyer, which utilizes background information of students to estimate educational outcomes. The difference between the estimate and the actual outcome is defined as a "need" in this application. This…

Distinction between norm referenced and criterion referenced tests are explored in relationship to underlying philosophy and intent. In considering the use of a criterion referenced test for instructional purposes, consideration is given to: specification of objectives, item content and selection, reliability, and needs assessment. (Author)

Accountability currently is an important concept throughout education. Michigan has assumed leadership among the States in exploring and applying accountability procedures. The purpose of this report is to examine the quality and implications of that leadership. Specifically, the authors' purpose is to assess the Michigan Accountability System…

In 1973 the Michigan Department of Education and the Cooperative Accountability Project attempted to develop a greater understanding of the problems which might be associated with dissemination of information about educational accountability programs. From this project three papers resulted that outlined a potential dissemination model designed to…

Although emphatically not against the concept of educational accountability, the National Education Association (NEA) feels that a redirection is needed in the implementation of such a system. Because of error, especially in testing minority and poor children, accountability programs should never use test results as the major source of data but…

In addition to some general and basic principles regarding the importance of an acceptable accountability system, a number of specific criteria for evaluating state accountability programs is provided. The stated purposes of such a system and the specific uses of the resulting data should be clear and concise. Local control must be retained and…

This evaluation of instructional materials is based on data collected from statistical summaries, predictive instruments, teacher and student reactions, in-depth studies, evaluation seminars, and observations. The materials covered in this report are divided into two categories: 16mm films and building-level materials, the latter including items…

This paper commences with a brief history of reforms in secondary education and the studies of various groups that inspired them. Despite almost a century of criticism and reform proposals, the high school continued until this decade to be a highly regarded community institution. Reflecting the present loss of prestige suffered by high schools,…

The third party evaluation of the K-12 career education project RACE (Researched Activities for Career Education) focused on test results of students in four selected grades. A career education questionnaire was administered as a pre-test and again as a post-test to students in the third and sixth grades. Ninth and twelfth grade students were…

An approach is presented that allows teachers to examine their teaching strategies and gradually redesign them if necessary. Objectives are defined and/or clarified as a result of the ongoing teacher-student activities. The model consists of four major parts: (1) preliminary identification of overall classroom goals, (2) identification of current…

Focuses on the immediate effects of group training and participation for inservice counselors and on the effects after one year. Subjects were 15 inservice counselors. The POI was used to assess personal growth. Results indicate that participating counselors maintained their positive POI gains one year later. (Author/HMV)

This article applies some of the principles of assessment to the teaching of economics. It emphasizes the need for objectives to provide an effective framework for testing and suggests evaluation procedures. For journal availability see SO 504 499. (Author/RM)

The author reiterates the need for a systematic assessment of learning. He suggests that administrators: (1) decide what information is needed most; (2) design appropriate methods for ascertaining this information and how it will be used; and, (3) use the information for positive changes. (HMV)