This article reviews factors affecting the persistent underrepresentation of black students in gifted education and offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining these students. It is argued that a deficit orientation held by educators hinders access to gifted programs for diverse students, and that too often educators interpret differences as…

Discusses the need to renovate existing schools and/or build new ones due to rising enrollments and rapid developments in technology. Topics include problems with technology use; technology budgeting; assessing the status of ongoing technology; community-based learning environments; school designs and partnerships; technology planning resources;…

Discusses seven basic principles related to instructional design for adult trainees in a business environment. Topics discussed include objectives of instructional design; performance problems; feedback; assessment; analysis; production, using the most suitable medium; evaluation; implementation; incentives; motivation; and job aids. An adult…

This paper describes problems likely to arise as special education students in Great Britain follow the National Curriculum's programs of study in geography. The establishment of National Curriculum attainment targets which are based on prescribed content requires that teachers organize their classes into several groups working on different…

Reports results of surveys of faculty and students in Australian universities that were conducted to examine the use of computerized business simulations. Factors influencing the adoption of simulations are discussed, the effectiveness of various teaching methods are examined, evaluation of courses and simulations are described, and further…

Presents a framework that identifies variables associated with relationship dynamics that exist between older persons and their social network members. Suggests framework can be used by case managers to help them assess the characteristics and functioning of their clients' social network relations and develop service strategies that maximize the…

This study compared the impact of three forms of evaluation on the mastery of course content by special education majors. Results indicated higher levels of mastery were achieved by students during short- and long-term formative evaluation conditions, relative to summative evaluation. Students also viewed formative evaluation formats more…

In 1987, a survey report by J. Cannell was published criticizing state reports based on national standardized testing of elementary school students that indicated that all 50 states were above the national average. This phenomenon--known as the "Lake Wobegon Effect"--is analyzed. Technical problems with the study are considered. (TJH)

Results of a 1987 report--indicating that elementary students of all 50 states were above the national average--were assessed via 2 national mail and telephone surveys. Although results of data for 35 states support the general findings of the 1987 report, it appears that more specific results are less sensational. (TJH)

Elucidates the concepts of evaluation, and maintains that evaluation is an integral part of music education, at all levels. Expounds on the functions of evaluation in music education, dividing the discussion into the following categories: achievement, diagnostic, aptitude, and attitude functions. Addresses the concerns and criticisms of…

Five articles and a commentary on curriculum-based assessment (CBA) are presented. Article topics include a comparison of CBA models, computer applications, development of written retell for CBA in secondary programs, development of math skills in low-achieving high school students via CBA, and methods of summarizing trends in student achievement.…

Concept mapping is a structured conceptualization that can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework that guides evaluation or planning. Twelve papers discuss concept mapping in evaluation/planning in terms of theory development; measurement, construct validity, and pattern matching; outcome assessment and internal validity;…

Summarizes the latest survey of 170 U.S. masters degree programs in Educational Communications and Technology. Topics discussed include administrative responsibility, including evaluation and accreditation; program content; student requirements, including test scores and curriculum requirements; terminology describing degrees, including combined…

This basic plan for implementing educational software in the classroom incorporates a research design for evaluating its effectiveness. A study of fifth grade classrooms using game and tutorial software for spelling and fractions is used as an example. Topics discussed include software selection, selecting groups of comparable ability, and use of…

Assessing user needs is vital to planning and development of collection and service policies in depository libraries. Community surveys, published surveys, library internal reports, and databases are alternative sources of user information. A group process, such as the Nominal Group Technique, which creates a listening forum, may be more effective…