How can Title I evaluations be improved so that they are more likely to increase the impact of evaluation data on informed actions within the schools? An examination of evaluation practice leads to the conclusion that most LEA practitioners view Title I evaluation as externally imposed and primarily designed to serve state and federal needs. A…

This paper reviews the role played by the Title I (now Chapter 1) Evaluation Technical Assistance Centers in providing technical assistance to state and local agencies. It presents (1) a legistative history; (2) the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) activities under Title I; (3) an evaluation of the TACs; (4) the legislative changes enacted by the…

Describes technical assistance (TA) and advocates that institutions of higher education provide TA, notably through teacher education programs, to local school districts. Article discusses the TA process and provides a planning guide for establishing a local TA program. (Author/JD)

Illustrates the web of relationships among state education agencies, regional educational service agencies (RESAs), state legislatures, state boards of education, and school districts through case studies of two RESA systems. Also compares the "active" and "quiet" approaches taken by the respective states and identifies policy…

Policies of the United States Office of Education (USOE) pertaining to the utility of Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) are discussed, as well as the effect of clarification, expansion, or revision of these policies on procedures. In order to facilitate the implementation of the TIERS, USOE has initiated a system of regional…

Five articles about education service agencies (ESAs) serving rural schools yield five insights. Many rural systems owe their existence to ESA support. ESAs provide critical technology support. States should encourage school district collaboration. Inclusion of postsecondary institutional representatives in ESAs is an important step towards a…

This paper addresses effective longitudinal technical assistance for professionals serving young children with challenging behaviors. Critical components of such assistance include identifying and training districtwide technical assistance teams, developing operating procedures, generating districtwide support, and evaluating team effectiveness.…

Growing out of experience in the Pacific Institute for Nonsexist Education (PINE), this paper describes how an evaluation approach derived from oral history and anthropology was used to document the lessons learned about the design and operation of a sex equity technical assistance program. A brief overview describes the PINE program which…

Issues in assisting state and local education agencies to implement the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System were discussed in the context of responses from a structured interview of staff members from the Title I Technical Assistance Center (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory) responsible for Regions VIII, IX, and X--encompassing 14…

An increased proportion of Chapter 1 budgets across the country have been directed to the purchase of microcomputer hardware and software. A major reason for this expenditure has been the promise of better instruction, or at least more instruction for Chapter 1 students, without additional staff resources. Although evidence for instructional…

To measure impact of microcomputers in schools and estimate near-term future, observations are made regarding client calls--range, issues, themes, and callers--made to a school district consultant requesting help with microcomputer technology. Discussion includes numerous technical questions asked and process questions dealing with decision…

Following a brief history of the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS) and the development of the RMC models and technical assistance centers, plans are described for activities to increase the usefulness of the evaluation data for local decision making. Three major kinds of activities are explained: projects developed by an Evaluation…

Recommendations of the Maryland Task Force on Gifted and Talented Education concerning the current status and future needs of gifted and talented education are presented. Recommendations are offered concerning the following issues: appropriate recognition of giftedness and services for all gifted and talented students, world-class curricular…