A Grant Proposal for a Contextually Relevant Mathematics and Science Evaluation Training Institute for Mid-Level Experienced Evaluators

拟议的项目将用于从2003年夏季开始在华盛顿特区霍华德大学完成为期两周的实习评估员暑期培训学院的开发和实施工作。研究所的目标将是为中层评价人员提供深入的专业发展，重点放在背景相关因素(族裔群体、语言、文化等)的影响上。关于整个评价过程，从设计到数据分析再到结果的传播。研训所将加强学员对科学和数学方面的关键相关问题及其与学习过程中的背景因素的关系的了解。此外，研究所将向参与者提供在文化背景下进行评价的技能和方法。我们的目标是创建一种新的基于背景因素影响的评估员培训模式，以提高参与者对教育评估的认识和能力，特别是在数学和科学课程中。这些目标将通过以下方式实现：(A)开展一系列教学活动，包括对正在进行和已完成的评价项目进行分析；(B)与在其工作中采用切合实际的方法的全国知名评价人员进行讨论；(C)由每个参与者使用适当的方法实施实时项目。作为规划补助金的一部分，行政团队、教学人员和外部咨询委员会已经确定了参与者群体，正在最后确定课程并完成后勤安排(获得住房、课程学分等)。项目评估员正在完成评估计划的制定。

The proposed project would provide for completing the development and the implementation of a two-week summer training institute for practicing evaluators at Howard University, Washington, D.C. beginning in Summer 2003. The goal of the Institute would be to provide intensive professional development for mid-level evaluators focusing on the impact of contextually relevant factors (ethnic group, language, culture, etc.) on the entire evaluation process, from design to data analysis to dissemination of results. The Institute would enhance participant knowledge of critical relevant issues in science and mathematics and their relationship to contextual factors in the learning process. Further the Institute would provide participants with the skills and methodology to conduct an evaluation within a cultural context. The goal is to create a new model of evaluator training based on the influence of contextual factors, which would increase participant awareness of and competency in educational evaluation, particularly in math and science programs. The goals would be accomplished through: (a) a series of instructional activities that include the analysis of on-going and completed evaluation projects, (b) discussions with nationally known practicing evaluators who utilize a contextually relevant approach in their work and, (c) the implementation of a real-time project using appropriate methodology by each participant. As part of the planning grant an administrative team, instructional faculty and an external advisory committee have defined the participant group, are finalizing the curriculum and completing logistical arrangements (obtaining housing, course credit, etc.). The project evaluator is completing the development of the evaluation plan.