Compelling empirical research shows that a positive and sustained school climate promotes students' academic achievement and healthy development. Not surprisingly, a positive school climate also promotes teacher retention, which itself enhances student success. Yet the knowledge of the effects of school climate on learning has not been translated…

The purpose of this Handbook is to assist educators in understanding grade level of achievement (GLA), the role it plays in communicating student learning, and how to effectively implement the reporting of grade level of achievement for students enrolled in grades one through nine to Alberta Education as an adjunct to the on-going reporting to…

A continuity principle is suggested for scaling of assessment scores from different levels of a multilevel mastery training program. In such training programs students are self-paced and work at levels of tasks appropriate for their levels of performance. The problem addressed in this report concerns the scaling of assessment scores at different…

Describes a project to disseminate information about effective educational programs and practices to districts, schools, and interested educators in the state. (RC)

A conceptual framework for considering the costs and benefits of postsecondary education assessment is presented, along with a typology linking the costs of evaluation to their informational benefits. A number of cost-analysis paradigms and techniques for assessing alternative evaluation projects at the institutional level are also examined. The…

The evaluation model presented here was developed by the West Northfield (Illinois) District 31 Evaluation Committee in collaboration with consultants from the Institute for Educational Research. Based on a review of the literature prepared by the Institute, the guide elaborates on the steps to be taken in conducting an educational program…

This synthesis of the evaluation process in education presents a matrix illustrating the dimension of a continuum of models in their degree of relationship to a decision made. A second dimension categorizes models by their described process components. Extant models are seen as basically the same in slightly different language, and their…

Here in the United Kingdom, we are used to the idea of assessing pupils' work against Levels. In fact, perhaps we are a little too used to it. Our familiarity with the Level Descriptions in the National Curriculum, and the ways they might inform our Key Stage 3 assessments, can stop us from thinking even harder about exactly what it is that we are…

The factors which affect the output of school systems can be measured in poor nations as well as in rich. Data produced by these kinds of studies can be integrated with the kinds of data normally manipulated by educational planners in order to produce policy recommendations that focus on output. (HMD)

Much more research on the outcomes of higher education is needed before higher education can be truly evaluated and made accountable. The problems in such research are discussed and results are suggested that might be used to improve decisionmaking in higher education. (Author/PG)

Uses an expanded definition of assessment, drawing attention to those elements of a planning system that are closely interactive with assessment and which could either immediately precede or follow the data collection function. (Author/JF)

The Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation, under the direction of Daniel Stuffelbeam, completed standards for the practice of evaluation. Little is known about the extent of congruence between evaluation practice and the ideal as represented by the standards. The purpose of the study was to obtain information regarding how…

These guidelines describe sample procedures used in the companion volume, the "Elementary School Self-Assessment Book." The authors do not intend to restrict creative adaptations of the book's contents and procedures, but rather to share procedures that have worked well in their experiences. They offer advice on allotment of time, adjustments for…

There is a growing body of literature in the ERIC data base pertaining to state educational assessment and testing programs. Volume I of this bibliography includes abstracts of 39 documents and journal articles describing the design and implementation of programs, as well as the technical and political issues which have been addressed by the…

The author begins his discussion of accountability with an examination of its development, including its historical origins and the role of the federal government. The evolution of accountability programs at the state level is also considered. Included are brief indications of the directions taken by Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado, and Michigan.…