Although "quality of education" issues are currently popular in educational evaluation, the author argues for an empirically resolvable evaluation paradigm: Given the target population, program goals, and boundary conditions, how do educational treatments compare in terms of learning effects? Agreement on pre-set specifications and the…

In recent demands for educational excellence, rightists emphasize norms, standardized quality measures, and selectivity; leftists emphasize equality, justice, and inclusion. Liberal response should address state and civic needs, and equity of opportunity. This requires universal education in core subjects; practices and standards that nurture,…

This paper assesses the status of evaluation as a profession and examines the consequences of not attending to the manner in which the discipline evolves. Special concerns are (1) what the profession seeks to accomplish; (2) ways in which it functions; and (3) who can be identified as "professionals." (LMO)

Drawing from a study of the California community colleges, responds to questions regarding the main strengths and weaknesses of two-year colleges; the most serious problems in transfer/general education, vocational studies, and remedial instruction; the causes of these problems; anticipated student needs; increasing cost effectiveness; and the…

Describes a project of a Speech Communication Association Task Force that culminated in developing a list of major speaking and listening skills for elementary school students. Covers background, specific skills, their assessment, and ways to teach these skills. (PD)

Discusses the role and types of evaluation for secondary science curriculum studies. Rationales for product and process evaluation and models for implementation are reviewed. Teacher involvement in curriculum development is advocated. (ML)

Recommendations of commission reports on improving quality in public education are seen as primarily political statements reflecting the public outrage over the declining quality of American schooling. If the recommendations for sharpening basic skills spill over into higher education, there will be pressure to make colleges into trade schools.…

The instructionally effective school is a function of six factors: teacher characteristics and behavior, administrator characteristics and behavior, student body composition, school learning climate, pupil evaluation, and curriculum material. This article discusses these factors, how their relative importance can be measured, and some of their…

Factors contributing to achievement were investigated as part of Hungary's Curriculum Theory Department (CTD-80) national assessment. Parent's education and occupation and student's sex predicted achievement results. School characteristics did not predict achievement or attitudes. (Author/GDC)

Discusses the role of the teacher, the nature of learning, and the relationships between students and teachers in calling for a science of English teaching. (DF)

Constructing a longitudinal student outcomes data file takes careful planning and attention to detail, but investment in such a resource yields substantial dividends in the ability to document and explain complex patterns of student success. (Author)

Followup studies of former students provide important information for higher education institutions. Careful planning, early involvement of users of the information, and multiple data presentation strategies are some keys to success for such studies. (MSE)

The results of student outcomes studies are of little value if they are not used in institutional planning and decision-making. Use of results can be made more effective if researchers understand the obstacles to information use on most campuses and tailor their presentations to overcome them. (Author/MSE)

Research on compensatory education from 1965 to 1975 questioned whether such programs improved academic performance. Subsequent studies, however, have found compensatory education generally effective and have identified such components of successful basic skills instruction as greater time on task and more parental involvement. (PB)

By using the deductive or the inductive approach to needs assessment, or a combination of both approaches, school administrators can allocate physical or human resources in accordance with community priorities. (DCS)