A review of the recent literature has yielded a number of concerns about the validity, reliability, cost, efficiency, generalizability, utility, and cultural sensitivity of performance based assessments. The resulting conclusion was that continuing the performance based assessment initiative should be rethought. Suggested alternatives included…

The information systems and technology management program of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) establishes broad policy guidance and technical standards for information management to ensure that appropriate resource sharing can occur, while providing cost-effective support for mission requirements of program offices. The NARA…

Providing a variety of instructional methods and materials, developing unique and effective communication systems, and evaluating the process are keys to the delivery and effectiveness of the field-based programs in graduate education offered by Nova Southeastern University (Florida). This 4-year nonprofit institution is a leader in distance…

Issues of the relative costs of multiple choice tests and alternative types of assessment are explored. Before alternative assessments in large-scale or small-scale programs are used, attention must be given to cost considerations and the resources required to develop and implement the assessment. Major categories of cost to be considered are…

Testing and assessment that are "more authentic" (performance-based or alternative) represent the most pressing issue in education today. Some of the major criticisms leveled at standardized testing are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of more authentic assessment are reviewed. A general direction for integrating traditional and…

A project entitled the LINK Program was undertaken to develop a model program of educational brokering through union locals and small businesses in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. Included among the major project activities were the following: contacting unions, presenting a model program to them, and soliciting support from union officials;…

Two alternative programs for students seeking secondary school teacher certification were compared for cost effectiveness. The most pronounced difference between individuals majoring in education and non-majors seeking teacher certification while completing degree requirements in their chosen field is the number of required semester hours of…

These proceedings of the 1983 New Jersey-Pennsylvania-Delaware conference are arranged in five sections. Section I, "National Issues," includes summaries of (1) a panel session on the role of educational research and research funding in the new Congress; (2) a paper on "most wanted answers" to questions concerning (a) teacher…

This study attempts to identify factors that may contribute to the learning process of the student pilot in order to lower flight costs while maintaining or increasing safety factors. Specifically, it tests the hypothesis that a significant relationship exists between the similarity of flight instructor and student pilot perceptive styles and the…

Is the money allocated to institutional distance education getting the results on the back end in terms of student achievement? A literature review of cost analysis studies on distance education is presented with three themes factored out from those studies: Costs (Institutional and student costs), Reach, and Richness (cost to the student). A…

Comparisons are drawn between the Keller Plan in Britain and Distant Learning in Germany in the areas of: (1) fundamental aims of education; (2) instructional materials and instructional systems; (3) guidance and direction of the learning process; (4) social learning; (5) assessment and examinations; (6) study techniques; (7) teacher training; and…

The principal roles for publicly sponsored retraining programs are twofold: (1) to reduce the private and social costs associated with unnecessary delays in the reemployment process; and (2) to assist in the replacement of specific human capital lost when a permanent layoff takes place. Nine different demonstration projects and operating programs…

A study of the administration of the Chapter 30 education and training programs for veterans by the Veterans Administration (VA) was conducted. Data were collected from October 1988 through April 1989 through interviews with 49 program officials; 2 site visits; a mail survey; a telephone survey; a log of inquiry activity; and available information…

This document provides the final summary report of Tennessee's primary school class size study, called Project STAR. Sections of the report concern: (1) background; (2) organization to conduct the study; (3) sample selection; (4) data collection plan and data base; (5) general operating guidelines; (6) teacher orientation; (7) study design; (8)…

This report updates the interim Virginia Employment Services Program (ESP) participation patterns and examines program success in mandating job search participation. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 discusses research design, sample, and data sources. (The sample contained 1,287 Work Incentive Program applicants and 1,897 recipients.)…