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States in Need: Identifying Strategic Directions for Preparing Public School Personnel in the Area of Autism Using Needs Assessment Methodology
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| Presenter(s):
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| Jacqueline Kelleher, Sacred Heart University, kelleherj@sacredheart.edu
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| Abstract:
In response to a legislative act requiring a study group to investigate the needs of educators providing special education and related services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, a team comprised of four state agencies conducted a need assessment aimed at identifying perceived training gaps across Connecticut. This paper presents the study design, procedures to collect quantitative and qualitative data, analytic techniques employed, and methods for ensuring representative stakeholder groups were included as partners from design through final review. Connecticut's use of a need assessment methodology combined with the effective translation of results into language appropriate for multiple audiences is seen by policy makers and public citizens as a positive approach toward change. Guided by the Joint Committee Evaluation Standards and the belief that as a state we can work collaborative toward feasible solutions, the team completed a study that is grounding and guiding state conversations on autism.
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Women Religious in a Changing Urban Landscape
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| Presenter(s):
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| Rob Fischer, Case Western Reserve University, fischer@case.edu
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| Jenni Bartholomew, Case Western Reserve University, jennifer.bartholomew@case.edu
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| Abstract:
This paper will examine the role of women religious in an urban region where the church is undergoing dramatic changes. In particular, the focus will be on Catholic Sisters from many religious congregations in active ministry in the metropolitan Cleveland area. As the Catholic Diocese implemented a plan to eliminate 52 of its 224 parishes, women religious were forced to examine their role amid these shifts and to reassess community needs. This paper will discuss survey data from women religious and the emerging dialogue about how to best meet the needs of the communities they serve.
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Essential Competency Needs for Program Evaluators in Taiwan
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| Presenter(s):
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| Yi-Fang Lee, National Chi Nan University, ivanalee@ncnu.edu.tw
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| James Altschuld, The Ohio State University, altschuld.1@osu.edu
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| Lung-Sheng Steven Lee, National United University, t83006@ntnu.edu.tw
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| Abstract:
As the demand for accountability increases, educational program evaluation has become even more important. Program evaluation is very prosperous and moving toward a profession in Taiwan, but a consensus on professional competencies for program evaluators has not yet been reached. We are doing a literature review to identify core competencies for evaluators in higher education. Based on the findings, a survey will be issued to evaluators who participated in university programs evaluation projects organized by the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council in Taiwan. The sample will rate importance, current status, and frequency of use of the competencies. Knowledge about what essential skills are and the extent of their need will be identified and that information should be of value to educational evaluators, researchers, and decision makers for policy formation and the implementation of sound evaluation practices.
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Evaluation Learning Needs, Assets, and Interests of National Science Foundation (NSF) Principal Investigators and Evaluators
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| Presenter(s):
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| Daniela Schroeter, Western Michigan University, daniela.schroeter@wmich.edu
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| Alyssa Na'im, Education Development Center, anaim@edc.org
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| Lori Wingate, Western Michigan University, lori.wingate@wmich.edu
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| Mohammed Alyami, Western Michigan University, mohammed.alyami@wmich.edu
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| Abstract:
This paper discusses an evaluation needs, assets, and interest assessment conducted with principal investigators and evaluators of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. With a training or development intervention in mind, the objectives for the assessment were to determine and prioritize primary content areas and means for delivery as well as to solicit ITEST examples for inclusion in learning opportunities. Attendees in this session will learn about (a) how the assessment was conducted; (b) what primary evaluation learning needs, assets, and interest exist in the NSF ITEST community; and (c) how findings from the assessment inform the development of Web-based training and development opportunities for the ITEST community. Limitations of the assessment and associated challenges for curriculum development will also be highlighted.
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Needs Assessment as a Precursor to Quality Program and Evaluation of the Mt. Healthy Ohio Mathematics and Science Partnership (OMSP) Program
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| Presenter(s):
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| Imelda Castañeda-Emenaker, University of Cincinnati, castania@ucmail.uc.edu
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| Hsin-Ling Hung, University of Cincinnati, hunghg@ucmail.uc.edu
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| Ted Fowler, University of Cincinnati, thaddeus.fowler@uc.edu
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| Kathie Maynard, University of Cincinnati, kathie.maynard@uc.edu
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| Abstract:
Needs assessment was an essential requirement of the Ohio Mathematics and Science Partnership (OMSP) program funding for the Mt. Healthy City Schools. This presentation will portray how needs assessment was valued and incorporated in enhancing program and evaluation quality to support the ultimate purpose of the program; that of establishing a sustainable mechanism and professional development infrastructure to improve student achievement across the Mt. Healthy City Schools. The needs assessment activities verified a previously developed project model called “Improving Science Achievement Model”. Witkin and Altschuld’s (1995) three-phase plan was employed to assess needs. Gaps between current and desired practices were identified. Strategies for implementation were developed based on the identified needs. Priorities were established and implementation logistics were refined accordingly. This presentation would be of value to those who are interested in needs assessment to enhance the quality of programming, as well as program evaluation.
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