Discussion of evaluation methodology for computer software focuses on the evaluation of electronic performance support systems. Highlights include problems with evaluation; a usage-oriented methodology, including a theoretical framework, a purpose aspect, and an activities aspect; decision making; and rapid prototypes. (LRW)

Investigates how six novice and six expert evaluators observed a teaching performance and subsequently interpreted their observations. Expert evaluators approached evaluation as a shared process of construction, analysis, and interpretation of classroom events. Experts looked for structures but were neither as prescriptive nor as judgmental as…

Reviewed and evaluated parent training research conducted between 1975 and 1990. Analyzed 148 published studies regarding effectiveness of parent training as intervention. Case studies reviewed exhibited several methodological shortcomings. Group studies reviewed also did not routinely collect treatment integrity information, and 50 percent of…

Presents the role of human resource development practitioners as organizational researchers. Describes a model for validating instruments, constructs, and strategies, based on communication theory. Cites common errors and issues in the validation of measurement and demonstrates uses of the heuristic validation model. (SK)

A group of 111 2- and 3-year olds were tested on 3 phonological memory (PM) measures to ascertain whether PM skills could be assessed in children younger than 4 years of age. Results indicated that PM skills can be reliably assessed in very young children by using conventional serial span and repetition procedures. (MDM)

Provides introduction to special section of journal on new ideas about how to analyze change. Reviews Rogosa's (1988) myths of longitudinal research. Includes overview of other articles in the section that emphasizes what is new and improved in design and analysis of change. (Author/NB)

Unreliable assessment practices persist across the country. Regents College has reviewed over 100 randomly selected programs and created a database of assessment programs that use unreliable practices. Assessment processes and academic programs of integrity should be built on consistently valid and reliable principles. (JOW)

Examines arguments for and against evaluation advocacy in terms of the American Evaluation Association's "Guiding Principles for Evaluators" and other statements on advocacy and neutrality. Suggests revision of the "Guiding Principles." (Author/SLD)

The article and commentary in this special section consider the ethical implications of a remark by an employee in a business being evaluated that employees have been advised to make the program look good. Explores the implications for the evaluation and its usefulness. (SLD)

Providing an essay by a student who committed suicide as an example, discusses the importance of appreciating what writing rubrics and other assessment devices do not measure or observe. Proposes that school counselors can help educators' discern possible warning signs in students' written and oral communications. (Contains 15 references.) (GCP)

Reviews the conclusions about student ratings of teacher effectiveness on which most experts agree, cites some of the main sources of support for these conclusions, and discusses some dissenting opinions and the research support for those opinions. (EV)

Discusses some of the most common myths about student ratings of teacher effectiveness and looks at the evidence from research on these issues; concludes that student ratings can provide powerful and useful information. Offers recommendations on the proper implementation, interpretation, and use of such evaluations. (EV)

This article examines the statistical correction for attenuation and the controversies surrounding the procedure. The logic of the double and single correction formulas is discussed, and misapplications and misinterpretations of the correction are presented. (SLD)

Review of literature on nursing assessments using behaviorally anchored rating scales and objective structured clinical examinations found these methods inadequate for predicting nurses' clinical performance. Lacking better methods, nursing risks losing public confidence in its ability to safeguard patients. (Contains 43 references.) (SK)

Analyzes the concept of "employability" and critiques the prevailing tendency to create employability measures based on outcomes. Asserts that the outcome approach results in employability being construed as an institutional achievement rather than the propensity of individual students to get employment. Outlines an alternative approach…