This handbook was developed to provide managers working with the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a basic guide for the evaluation of NSF's educational programs. It is aimed at people who need to learn more about what evaluation can do and how to do an evaluation rather than those who already have a solid base of experience in the field.…

In 1983 the Far West Laboratory's instructional management program established Peer-Assisted Leadership (PAL), a unique professional development program for principals. No longer isolated, principals help each other develop analytical and other skills to become better instructional leaders. MLH)

Educators, in the United States and throughout the world, are looking for new structures to embue teachers with decision-making authority and responsibility. This study maintains that before changing existing structures, it is necessary to examine and improve the current decision making process. The report outlines 12 guidelines for successful…

This second of a two-part article on leadership development offers some practical advice on the applications of leadership concepts to the principalship. Provides examples of common leadership myths and selection of an appropriate leadership style. (CJH)

Using data for school reform is like painting a series of pictures--pictures that are subtle and capture the nuances of the subject. This is a far cry from drawing stick figures or paint-by-numbers. Imagine the experiences of the French painter Claude Monet as he wandered through his garden at Giverny at different times of the day and year,…

The articles in this volume, focusing on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for competent evaluation of teaching, were originally presented at the National Symposia for Professionals in Evaluation and Research (NSPER:82) conferences in Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and New Orleans, Louisiana. After an introduction by…

This book presents six alternative teacher evaluation approaches in six chapters. Each contributor was directed to respond to an identical stage-setting stimulus; then the chapter was immediately relayed to a public school practitioner who was asked to supply a "from-the-field" reaction. The reactions follow each chapter under the heading, "From…

Examines the ways in which reflection leads to better decision making and better administration. Discusses the following three sources of knowledge available to administrators who choose to enhance their effectiveness through reflection: (1) theoretical; (2) empirical; and (3) experiential. Examines the integration of knowledge and action through…

Challenges certain theoretical assumptions underlying educational administration. Demands critical thinking about ethical aspects, particularly the relationship between "quality of judgement" and "deciding rightness." Proposes an ethics program for school administrators incorporating values reflected in schools as a social…

Discusses the concept of reflective practice developed by Donald Schon in 1983. Presents the questions explored in the five articles contained in this issue. Introduces each article and discusses the topics and recommendations provided by each article. (JS)

A study explored the responses of medical students, resident physicians, and experienced physicians to 12 vignettes describing hypothetical patients to determine the relationship between clinical experience and susceptibility to bias in treatment decisions resulting from presentation of possible outcomes. Framing bias was most evident in the…

A conceptual framework is developed to consider two dimensions of evaluation systems likely to lead performers to internalize the evaluation process. The theory of evaluation and authority developed by Dornbusch and Scott provides the basis for a review of six studies in support of two propositions: (1) the more frequently performers are…

This book shows how to use evaluation to find effective solutions. The first two chapters introduce evaluation as an administrative function at the school level. Chapter 1 draws on two kinds of literature--educational-administration literature (to survey administrative practices) and educational-evaluation literature (evaluation practiced by…

The evolution and design of a videodisk recording for classroom use in teaching aesthetics at the college level are described. The program presents an internationally notorious case study in art forgery. It facilitates three crucial tasks in visual art study: access to art and related information; detail; and analysis. (MSE)

The responses from questionnaires (N=182) given to 201 individuals who were provided an opportunity to join the faculty of two research universities (one rural, one urban) were analyzed to determine the factors influencing their decisions to join or not join. Interviews with 60% of the respondents were conducted to gather further information.…