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Descriptors:
Tutoring; Questionnaires; Foreign Countries; Reading Comprehension; Siblings; Peer Teaching; Family Involvement; Program Evaluation; Family Environment; Interviews; Reading Improvement; Elementary School Students

Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of an educational programme involving peer tutoring at school and family tutoring at home on child reading comprehension achievement in Catalunya, Spain. We drew upon a sample of 303 primary school students from 8 to 11 years old and 223 family tutors from home (61.5% mothers, 15% fathers, 17% both parents, 6.5% siblings). Reading comprehension performance was assessed through standardised tests in pre and post-test bases. Background variables were collected by means of student and parent questionnaires and also teacher and family interviews. An analysis of the family tutoring interactions was also performed. The main results showed positive effects for all the students, but especially for the 223 students who received family support. Overall, the study reveals the effectiveness of peer learning to improve reading comprehension skills and the potential of family involvement for the development of academic skills when the school provides trust and support for it. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Self Efficacy; Measures (Individuals); Principals; Job Satisfaction; Foreign Countries; Work Attitudes; Personal Autonomy; Administrator Attitudes; Correlation; Questionnaires; Internet; Context Effect; School Districts; Program Evaluation

Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to explore relations between principals' self-efficacy, perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and perceived contextual constraints to autonomy. Principal self-efficacy was measured by a multidimensional scale called the Norwegian Principal Self-Efficacy Scale. Job autonomy, job satisfaction, and contextual constraints to autonomy were measured by three scales developed for the purpose of this study. Perceived contextual constraints to autonomy were comprised of financial and administrative constraints, employee participation, municipal authority, and national evaluation programs. Participants in the study were 1,818 principals from the population of Norwegian principals. Data were collected by means of an electronic questionnaire. A theoretical model was tested by means of SEM analysis for latent variables using the AMOS 18 program. The model had acceptable fit to data. The results revealed a positive relation between principal self-efficacy and perceived job autonomy. Principal self-efficacy and perceived job autonomy were positively related to job satisfaction and negatively related to contextual constraints. Contextual constraints to autonomy were negatively related to job satisfaction. The present study highlights important relations between principals' self-efficacy, perceived job autonomy, job satisfaction, and contextual constraints to autonomy. The results of the study are discussed together with limitations and suggestions for further research. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Program Effectiveness; Adolescents; Risk; Health Behavior; Task Analysis; Intervention; Program Evaluation; Behavior Change; Student School Relationship; Program Descriptions; Measurement

Abstract:
School connectedness has a significant impact on adolescent outcomes, including reducing risk-taking behavior. This paper critically examines the literature on school-based programs targeting increased connectedness for reductions in risk taking. Fourteen articles describing seven different school-based programs were reviewed. Programs drew on a range of theories to increase school connectedness, and evaluations conducted for the majority of programs demonstrated positive changes in school connectedness, risk behavior, or a combination of the two. Many of the reviewed programs involved widespread school system change, however, which is frequently a complex and time-consuming task. Future research is needed to examine the extent of intervention complexity required to result in change. This review also showed a lack of consistency in the definitions and measurement of connectedness as well as few mediation analyses testing assumptions of impact on risk-taking behavior through increases in school connectedness. Additionally, this review revealed very limited evaluation of the elements of multicomponent programs that are most effective in increasing school connectedness and reducing adolescent risk taking. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Outcome Measures; Intervention; Well Being; Bullying; Foreign Countries; Counseling Effectiveness; Outcomes of Treatment; Program Evaluation; Longitudinal Studies; Scores; Peer Relationship; Comparative Analysis; Emotional Response

Abstract:
Bullying remains a significant issue in the lives of many children and young people at school and can have serious negative implications for emotional health and well-being in the short and longer term. This paper reports on an impact evaluation of the effectiveness of a school counselling intervention in promoting positive change in the peer relationships of pupils who have been bullied. Longitudinal data were collected from 202 pupils (mean age = 12.5, standard deviation = 2.3) using the self-rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In total, 27.2% of referrals (55 pupils) to the intervention related to being bullied. Latent growth curve modelling confirmed that pupils who had been bullied scored significantly higher initial status scores (1.40, p less than 0.01) on the Peer problems subscale of the SDQ and experienced a significantly more rapid rate of decrease on this subscale (-0.25, p less than 0.01) with each successive session of school counselling compared with those pupils who had accessed the intervention for another reason. Results indicate that school counselling is an effective intervention in supporting pupils who have been bullied and should be a key component of an effective whole school approach aimed at addressing bullying. The implications for research and practice development are considered. (Contains 2 tables, 3 figures and 2 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Public Agencies; State Government; Financial Support; State Aid; Smoking; Health Promotion; Health Programs; Program Evaluation; Training; Role; Evaluators; Technical Writing; Reports; Information Utilization; Attitudes; Stakeholders; Accountability; Program Effectiveness; Test Construction; Scoring

Abstract:
Nearly all private, government and non-governmental organizations that receive government funding to run social or health promotion programs in the United States are required to conduct program evaluations and to report findings to the funding agency. Reports are usually due at the end of a funding cycle and they may or may not have an influence on the continuation of program funding. The final evaluation report (FER), as the end-of-funding-cycle report is often called, generally relates the intervention and evaluation results of the funding period and has a dual purpose. It is considered an element of accountability and should give the program and its stakeholders direction for the future. All too often though, this is not the case. Evaluators have voiced myriad concerns about the many issues related to reports and their usage. In their study of a random sample of American Evaluation Association members, Torres et al. (1997) found that evaluators are generally discontent about reporting and about the fact that their reports are often misused or not used at all. Evaluation reports could be a valuable instrument for moving projects forward if stakeholders and project staff would make good use of evaluation findings. The Tobacco Control Evaluation Center (TCEC) (2006) at the University of California at Davis developed scoring measures for final report writing for over 100 local tobacco control projects in California but found 2007 reports lacking in quality. In 2010, it conducted a training campaign in the hope that the projects themselves, the funding government agency and TCEC may make better use of the reports. The response to the training call was overwhelming, and comparing scores from 2007 and 2010, participating agencies made statistically significant improvements but non-participants did not. Results relating to the mode of training were inconclusive. The pre- and post-score comparison proved to be a valuable measuring tool, and the 1-day face-to-face training was a useful training mode. (Contains 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Autism; Trainees; Technical Assistance; Educational Practices; Professional Development; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Statewide Planning; Program Evaluation; State Programs; Pretests Posttests; Knowledge Base for Teaching; Self Efficacy; Best Practices; Mentors; Portfolio Assessment; Program Effectiveness; Improvement Programs; Teacher Improvement; Skill Development; Teaching Skills

Abstract:
Training and technical assistance programs for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have emerged in many states as educators, administrators, and institutions of higher education attempt to address the increasing needs for enhancing the knowledge and skills of educators and disseminating the ever-growing knowledge of educational practices. This report provides data from an evaluation study of a professional development effort conducted by a state-sponsored autism spectrum disorders network. Results documented the positive impact of an 18-month, mentored professional development experience for school-based professionals throughout the state. Surveys of trainees' knowledge before and after training indicated shifts in their confidence, from basic knowledge of ASD characteristics and practices to confidence in their ability to implement ASD-related practices. In addition, mentors documented increased use of ASD practices in trainees' classrooms using a checklist of ASD evidence-based practices. (Contains 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Student Teaching; Special Education Teachers; Educational Needs; Teacher Education Programs; Change Strategies; Educational Change; Beginning Teachers; Mixed Methods Research; Graduate Surveys; Teacher Competency Testing; Program Improvement; Self Efficacy; Participant Satisfaction; Program Evaluation; College Outcomes Assessment

Abstract:
Through a mixed-methods study, teacher educators investigated recent graduates' perceptions of their preparation program. Beginning special education teachers completed surveys and indicated (a) their level of preparation and confidence associated with 25 core competencies, (b) the most beneficial components of their preparation program, (c) suggestions for improving the program, and (d) current training needs. The highest levels of preparation and confidence were found in the areas of professionalism, behavior management, and instruction. The lowest levels of preparation and confidence were noted in transition and teaching students whose first language was not English. Participants reported that early clinical experiences and student teaching were the most beneficial components of the program. Furthermore, they offered suggestions for adding breadth and depth to courses and desired to learn more about timely issues. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Early Intervention; Best Practices; Culturally Relevant Education; Cultural Relevance; Educational Principles; Reflection; Family Characteristics; Cultural Awareness; Program Evaluation; Change Strategies; Integrated Services

Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to provide a framework that offers a way for early intervention (EI) service providers to better meet the needs of the culturally diverse children and families they serve. This framework was created to organize existing research and literature on cultural responsiveness in a way that fit the unique context of EI. The framework draws from multiple fields of study, including early childhood, multicultural, and special education, as well as psychology and speech-language pathology, and synthesizes knowledge and best practices into four guiding principles: (1) Examining One's Own Culture; (2) Acquiring Knowledge of Family Cultures; (3) Building Culturally Responsive Practices; and (4) Reflecting and Evaluating Practices. Each principle ties together correspondent themes and ideas from multiple fields, and suggests knowledge and best practices that can be utilized to increase one's cultural responsiveness when working with families. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Validity; Comparative Analysis; Internet; Student Placement; Program Evaluation; Writing Evaluation; Scoring; Essays; Research Universities; College Freshmen; Models; Measurement; Essay Tests; Computer Assisted Testing; Computer Software Evaluation

Abstract:
In this paper, I describe the design and evaluation of automated essay scoring (AES) models for an institution's writing placement program. Information was gathered on admitted student writing performance at a science and technology research university in the northeastern United States. Under timed conditions, first-year students (N = 879) were assigned to write essays on two persuasive prompts within the "Criterion"[R] Online Writing Evaluation Service at the beginning of the semester. AES models were built and evaluated for a total of four prompts. AES models meeting recommended performance criteria were then compared to standardized admissions measures and locally developed writing measures. Results suggest that there is evidence to support the use of "Criterion" as part of the placement process at the institution. (Contains 12 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Educational Testing; Guidelines; Scoring; Psychometrics; Evaluation Criteria; Program Descriptions; Vendors; Writing Evaluation; Essay Tests; Computer Assisted Testing; Program Evaluation; Evaluation Methods; Measurement

Abstract:
In this paper, we provide an overview of psychometric procedures and guidelines Educational Testing Service (ETS) uses to evaluate automated essay scoring for operational use. We briefly describe the e-rater system, the procedures and criteria used to evaluate e-rater, implications for a range of potential uses of e-rater, and directions for future research. The description of e-rater includes a summary of characteristics of writing covered by e-rater, variations in modeling techniques available, and the regression-based model building procedure. The evaluation procedures cover multiple criteria, including association with human scores, distributional differences, subgroup differences and association with external variables of interest. Expected levels of performance for each evaluation are provided. We conclude that the "a priori" establishment of performance expectations and the evaluation of performance of e-rater against these expectations help to ensure that automated scoring provides a positive contribution to the large-scale assessment of writing. We call for continuing transparency in the design of automated scoring systems and clear and consistent expectations of performance of automated scoring before using such systems operationally. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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