Practical Evaluation for Educators
Finding What Works and What Doesn't

Edited by:

Roger Kaufman
Ingrid Guerra
William A. Platt - Department of Veterans' Affairs

Other Titles in:
Curriculum Strategy Development & Assessment | Leadership & Management | Local Authorities

September 2005 | 320 pages | Corwin

Most teachers try to avoid evaluation, but that's no longer an option in this age of accountability and school reform. However, evaluation doesn't need to be something that teachers fear. As the authors of this accessible resource guide so aptly show, evaluation can be done with a minimum of fuss and without an advanced degree in statistics and research methodology.

This user-friendly guide includes easy-to-understand examples, checklists, sample exercises, discussion questions and step-by-step guidance for educational evaluation. It also contains a case study that follows one school and educational authority through the evaluation process, showing what evaluation looks like and feels like in schools and districts. The authors provide a comprehensive set of concepts and guidelines for conducting evaluation studies. The book is results-centered and focused on proven concepts and methods.

The authors have developed a simple, four-step process to guide teachers through evaluation: alignment and direction; observations, results, and action and adjustment.

Preface

About the Authors

Part I: Alignment and Direction

1. Introduction

2. Fundamental Principles and Tools of Evaluation

3. Building Aligned Evaluation Criteria

Scenario 1: Supporting Anita

Part II: Observation

4. Identifying What Data Must Be Collected

5. Collecting the Data

Scenario 2: Finding Facts

Part III: Results

6. Analyzing and Interpreting the Data

7. Communicating Results and Recommendations to Stakeholders

Scenario 3: Working Knowledge

Part IV: Action and Adjustment

8. Evaluating for Continuous Improvement

9. Contracting for Evaluation Services

Scenario 4: Actions That Work

Bibliography

Index

"Puts evaluation in a framework of societal needs while simultaneously being results-oriented and practical. This is a unique combination of 'how-to' with 'why' that is of immense importance."

Elizabeth D. Capaldi, Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff

State University of New York

"The book describes how to ask and answer the right questions in order to measure the gaps in results and their consequences. Readers will be able to tailor an evaluation plan to their specific situations. Practical examples and scenarios along with how-to guides show readers how to apply the concepts and tools presented."

James D. Russell, Professor and Visiting Research Associate

Educational Psychology and Learning Systems Institute, Florida State University

"As an evaluation book written for educators and education, this publication delivers on its promise. It provides a practical, professional, and comprehensive approach for planning and conducting evaluation studies that are meaningful and effective for understanding and improving the education enterprise."

Dale W. Lick, Professor of Education

Florida State University

"Roger Kaufman and his colleagues have produced what is simply the best practical book on educational evaluation published in the past few years. It is current, clear, and structured so that educators can apply it in a wide variety of educational contexts."

Richard Clark, Professor

University of Southern California

"Consistent with the very best in evaluation theory and practice. Clearly written, practical, and usable, this book should be used as the organizer for improvement efforts from a neighborhood school to a statewide improvement effort. I heartily recommend it to superintendents, principals, school boards, and concerned parents. If you could read only one book during the next decade about improving education, this is it."

Dale Brethower, Professor Emeritus

Western Michigan University

Did not meet course objectives

Dr Teresa Cowan

Health Sciences, Baker College Of Auburn Hills

February 12, 2016

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Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction

A Short Assessment of Self-Evaluation

For instructors

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