This study was guided by two key questions: First, what dimensions of continuous improvement do school leaders believe are most important to foster student performance in urban K-12 schools? Second, how does Alabama compare to national leaders regarding their approach to continuous improvement? Initially developed by Meehan et al. (2002), the…

The evaluation reported in this article examined the effectiveness of a statewide bullying prevention program, Be SAFE. Be SAFE involves use of a positive youth development approach to influence peer groups rather than individual bullies or victims. Through the use of pre- and postprogram questionnaires, we found increases in youths' knowledge of…

The ability to evaluate and accurately articulate the outcomes associated with leadership development programs is critical to their continued financial and administrative support. With calls for outcome-based accountability, the need for rigorous evaluation is particularly relevant for those programs administered through the Cooperative Extension…

This article discusses a study that investigated pronunciation development in second language learners by monitoring willingness to communicate variables. Students (N = 37) in a second-semester, introductory French course participated in online interpersonal audio discussions with classmates through VoiceThread. Pronunciation development and…

For students, quality teaching means the difference between a bright or potentially dim future. School principals face several challenges that work against recommending contract non-renewal for incompetent teachers. This study investigates the reasons that school principals recommend contract non-renewal of probationary teachers. Targeted…

This study examined (a) the differences in perceptions of faculty, full-time versus part-time, at a community college in northern Alabama on the importance of institutional effectiveness activities; (b) the factors that affect perceptions of the importance of institutional effectiveness activities; and (c) the effect of academic discipline,…

Some U.S. universities use Web-based formats to offer most of the course work required to become a certified teacher of the deaf. Yet little research exists on how students judge the content and delivery of such courses compared to on-campus instruction. Parton (2005) described previous research concerning this topic as descriptive rather than…

The purpose of this study was to discover weaknesses and strengths in present teacher preparation programs in Alabama. Statewide committees made a survey of all teacher education programs in order to determine student requirements and regulations for entrance, retention, and completion. Competencies evaluated were: (1) planning; (2) instructional…

A study evaluated effectiveness of learner, curriculum, and personnel divisions of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program in Alabama. Six ABE components were assessed through analysis of data obtained from interviews, questionnaires, state ABE files, and relevant literature. ABE administrative staff, supervisors, teachers, learners, and…

The Persistent Issues in History Laboratory for Virtual Field Experience (PIH-LVFE) combines a database of video cases of authentic classroom practices with multiple resources and tools to enable pre-service social studies teachers to virtually observe teachers implementing problem-based learning activities. In this paper, we present the results…

This study, undertaken in the summer of 1986, was to develop a comprehensive evaluation and needs assessment for the Alabama Judicial College. Qualitative research techniques (participant observation and in-depth interviewing) were applied to collect the necessary data. Judicial employees were observed in courtroom, office, training and social…

As part of a continuing assessment of educational needs in a seven-state region, researchers conducted a verification study to check the validity of educational needs first identified in fiscal year (FY) 1980. The seven states comprise Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This report describes assessment…

Objectives of study of the Head Start Program for underprivileged children in the rural Alabama counties of Coosa and Elmore were to supply information about: (1) the background, family life, and social experiences of the participating children; (2) the mother-child relationship; and (3) the mother's knowledge and evaluation of the program.…

Describes the "Arts in Elementary Education Conference" that was an effort to develop and implement an arts in-service program for Alabama elementary teachers with special attention to ongoing program evaluation and refinement. Examines the participants' responses on their conference application, an arts integration questionnaire,…

The central purpose of a study was to ascertain the views of business and industry toward vocational education in Alabama. The objectives were (1) to determine the familiarity of business and industry with the State's vocational education programs, (2) to determine the extent business and industry feels that the State's public vocational education…