An active-learning concurrent preparatory general chemistry course was adopted to replace a prerequisite course that lacked effectiveness in improving student outcomes. Our previous study showed that the concurrent course increased final exam performance and retention in a cohort of students. This paper studies the course modality impact of the…

In this paper, we assess students' performance in Elements of Statistics, one of the popular courses in general education, using data from UWF (University of West Florida) for fall 2008, fall 2009, and fall 2010 semesters. We analyze associations between students' performance in the course and several performance related factors including: college…

Using data to redesign instruction is a means of increasing student achievement. Educators in Camden County (Georgia) Schools have used data from benchmark testing since 1999. They hired a commercial vendor to design a benchmark test that is administered four times a year and use the data to generate subject-area reports that can be further…

The document presents an evaluation of the Cashmere, Peshastin-Dryden, Washington School District's project to establish a comprehensive K-12 career education program, with emphasis placed upon the formative and summative stages. Background information is provided in the following chapters: (1) Objects of Evaluation discusses the evaluation model…

The author discusses the difficulties that might be encountered in using various assessments and examinations in evaluative exercises. In particular, the discussion focuses on assessments that are presented in the form of examination results. The author also discusses an approach to a more school-based and hence potentially more useful form of…

Specified procedures for evaluating materials during their in-context tryout are presented. These procedures deal with all possible causes of system failures that have been identified in the in-classroom tryout of new materials. Therefore, methods for identifying, controlling, and monitoring all factors that affect academic behavior in the…

The Board of Regents of South Dakota's public colleges and universities decided in 1984 to implement a Value-Added Testing program (an exit test required for graduation) modelled on the Northeast Missouri State University plan. The plan was intended to increase student learning, improve curricular design, and encourage excellent teaching.…

EVALUATION STEPS WERE DEVELOPED FOR THE CURRICULUM CONTINUITY DEMONSTRATION (CCD), A JOINT PROJECT OF THE PITTSBURGH SCHOOLS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH. THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT WAS TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM WHICH CONSTITUTES A TRUE CONTINUUM FOR THE STUDENT AS HE PROGRESSES FROM KINDERGARTEN TO COLLEGE. INITIAL EVALUATION…

Field validation of the Missouri Career Education Curriculum Project Modules, K-6, was conducted in two phases. In phase 1, three sets of evaluation instruments were produced: K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. In phase 2, the field validation of the K-6 modules was conducted (reported here). (An additional goal of phase 2 was to develop evaluation instruments…

This report presents the design, procedures, and findings of the advanced testing of 100 modules in a set of performance-based vocational teacher education curricular materials. (The modules are based on 384 secondary/postsecondary level performance elements, including program, instructional, and other elements.) In the first of five sections the…

This paper reports the results of a management study of the effectiveness of middle schools in a large, urban, midwestern public school system. Results of the study illustrate the conundrum that all educational reforms are not complementary, i.e., they are at cross-purposes because they are designed to obtain different outcomes. The two reform…

In their development of curriculum for the humanizing of learning, Research for Better Schools, Inc., has required the reorganization, reordering, and creation of instrumentation for evaluation in the higher-order cognitive skills, the affective skills, and the interpersonal skills. As part of their design, a critical organization and review of…

During the 1975-76 school year the Nystrom Map and Globe Study Skills Program was pilot tested by approximately 1,400 students in three elementary schools in Spokane, Washington. The program is a continuous progress program based upon a series of sequential instructional objectives. Major objectives of the program were to help students develop…

The seven articles of this issue examine the implications of the proposed use of a variety of new assessments for students and parents, schools and school personnel, the educational system, and society in general. They clarify the dilemmas that challenge educational assessment and the relationship of assessment to educational reform. (SLD)

While some proponents of testing rest their hopes for stronger learning on the expectation that tests alone will motivate students to work harder, most posit that better learning will result primarily from better teaching--due to curriculum changes, greater attention to student needs, stronger teacher motivation, or focused investments in…