Describes and discusses the biases inherent in human judgment and the difficulty of assessing the many facets of reading. Maintains that educators should be more tentative in the decisions they make based on assessment. (SR)

Six potential problems with the use of randomized experiments to evaluate programs in the field are addressed. Problems include treatment dilution, treatment contamination or confounding, inaccurate case flow and power estimates, violations of the random assignment processes, changes in the environmental context, and changes in the treatment…

Addresses problems in evaluation that are raised by constructivism. Highlights include a comparison of objectivism and constructivism; constructivistic criteria, including goal-free evaluation, which focus on authentic tasks, knowledge construction, context-driven evaluation, the appropriate stages of knowledge acquisition, and multiple…

Considers problems with use of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Presents brief history of MBTI and brief theory of type. Examines MBTI's statistical structure, reliability, and validity. Concludes that MBTI does not conform to many basic standards expected of psychological tests. (NB)

The impact of a newly instituted prime vendor (wholesaler) pharmaceutical system at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals was studied at 33 VA centers and 32 matched comparison hospitals. Results indicate satisfaction with the new system and illustrate the solutions to some interesting evaluation problems. (SLD)

Argues that holistic scoring requires evaluators to suppress their interpretive judgment and treat students' writing differently than in any other situation, based on an analysis of videotaped reader-training sessions for an English Proficiency Essay Exam. (NH)

Examines assumptions and premises of standardized tests of mental ability and reviews extant theories and research on intellectual functioning of children from culturally different backgrounds. Discusses implications of these issues and perspectives for new directions for intellectual assessment for children from culturally different backgrounds.…

This essay provides some background on, explanation of, and justification of a theoretical framework for all types of evaluation. This framework is used to connect and underpin the approaches of other contributors to this special issue. A core discipline of evaluation is proposed that ties assorted evaluation fields together. (SLD)

Argues that there are insuperable problems in assessing subjective indicators of quality of life and that this approach should be abandoned. Also notes this approach may serve to extend the license of services to exert control over all facets of a person's life. (Author/CR)

Describes two evaluation studies that faced ethical problems because of an atmosphere of promotion and advocacy. One was the evaluation of a teachers' professional-development program, and the other was an evaluation of a federally funded youth sports program. The realization and resolution of ethical conduct must come from within the evaluator.…

Notes that students often find difficulty with the language used in the learning of and assessment of mathematics. Reports on a study that analyzes questions from a 1996 Higher School Certificate Mathematics in Society examination in New South Wales. Makes suggestions on changing the language of the assessment to make the mathematics in it more…

This supplement is composed of short articles discussing Georgia's criteria for identifying gifted students: (1) "Georgia's Journey toward Multiple-Criteria Identification of Gifted Students" (Sally C. Krisel); (2) "Multiple Criteria: The Mandate and the Challenge" (Mary M. Frasier); and (3) "Multiple Criteria from a…

Argues that assessment based on the content of a reading curriculum will not necessarily promote more effective instruction than one not so based. Focuses on reading ability, individual differences in the ability to read, instruction in reading, curriculum-based assessment of students' skill in reading, and assessment of comprehension. (RJM)

Discusses the importance of understanding the presenting problem of a stepfamily seeking counseling. Notes that proper assessment includes an understanding of family structure and context, parent- and stepparent-child relationships, and nonresidential parent-child relationships. Includes case study and the use of genograms to depict complex…

Examines principles to consider when evaluating the impact of outdoor-based experiences, including developing a rationale for the evaluation, determining the emphasis of the evaluation, and applying appropriate criteria to the evaluation process. Discusses difficulties associated with control groups, sampling bias, time period of evaluation, and…