This paper examines issues involved in conducting evaluations when participation by the target groups, typically minorities and disadvantaged groups, may put them in jeopardy. Argues that participation by target groups as cooperative partners throughout the evaluation is a way of addressing this dilemma. (SLD)

Introduces the articles of this theme issue focusing on the involvement of key stakeholder groups in the validation of large-scale high-stakes assessments. Each makes a unique but complementary contribution to the understanding of the demands of a comprehensive validation effort. (SLD)

Makes the point that the interpretations and use of high-stakes test scores rely on policy assumptions about what should be taught and the content standards and performance standards that should be applied. The assumptions built into an assessment need to be subjected to scrutiny and criticism if a strong case is to be made for the validity of the…

Using the Student Evaluation of Teaching and Teaching Techniques (SE3T) instrument, 600 students in five high schools evaluated 14 teachers' performance. Teachers surveyed about students' feedback found these evaluations useful, feasible, and appropriate and felt they should occur twice yearly. Many modified their behavior as a result. (38…

Used focus groups and questionnaires involving parents and professionals in Northern Ireland to develop consensus regarding diagnostic and assessment services for children with autistic-spectrum disorders. Validated results through meetings and comments on draft documents produced by a selected reference group. Identified recommendations for…

Educators, business, students, and taxpayers/policymakers have differing perspectives on information-systems curriculum on a continuum of long- vs. short-term planning and public vs. private interests. Strategic curriculum planning should be driven by stakeholders with the longest-term perspective (educators) with input from shorter-term tactical…

Shows how evaluators can handle conflict and create, restore, and maintain conditions for an ongoing negotiation process using the example of a vocational rehabilitation project for psychiatric patients in which a conflict developed between management and therapists. (SLD)

Misuses of null hypothesis significance testing are reviewed and alternative approaches are suggested for carrying out and reporting statistical tests that might be useful to program evaluators. Several themes, including the importance of respecting the magnitude of Type II errors and describing effect sizes in units stakeholders can understand,…

Interviews with stakeholders in an adult literacy program for university employees (instructor, program director, 17 of 34 employees, 11 of 20 supervisors) showed similar perceptions of improvement in skill, confidence, and self-esteem, participation in decision making, and involvement in lifelong learning. Better communication between supervisors…

Proposed business school program changes were rated by 22 faculty, 50 students, 176 alumni, and 31 business representatives of 1,075 surveyed (26% response). Greater business involvement in the classroom was rated highest. Few significant differences across stakeholder groups were found. (SK)

Data from 65 extension stakeholders engaged in forestry-related activities showed that communication barriers existed between university faculty and stakeholders. Stakeholders were not getting the information they needed, extension agents generally lacked appropriate content knowledge, and printed communications were ineffective or too technical.…

Discussion of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders involved in the production of electronic learning materials focuses on a constructivist methodology for course design. Explains concept mapping that provided the basis for an electronic learning development project at the University of Surrey (United Kingdom) and includes examples of concept…

This article reflects on experiences from Swedish research on school gardening and greening school grounds. A process-orientated case study in two Swedish cities is discussed, based on future workshops as a platform for situated capacity building in interaction between stakeholders in the in-school context and stakeholders from outside the local…

The Association Supporting Computer Users in Education (ASCUE) is a group of people interested in small college computing issues. It is a blend of people from all over the country who use computers in their teaching, academic support, and administrative support functions. ASCUE has a strong tradition of bringing its members together to pool their…

These proceedings contain the papers of the International Conference on Educational Technologies 2013 (ICEduTech 2013), which has been organised by the International Association for Development of the Information Society and co-organised by the Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur,…