A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Interim Evaluation of the Regional Educational Laboratories, December 1999

Volume II
Study Design and Methodology

This document is the second volume in a multi-volume set detailing the Interim Evaluation of the Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs). Volume I provides an executive summary of the evaluation, including a review of selected findings at each Lab. Volume II was developed to provide detailed information regarding the plan and methodology for carrying out the Interim Evaluation of the Regional Educational Laboratories. Its purpose is to guide the reader through the various steps of the evaluation process as it was designed and implemented. Volumes III through XII provide a complete set of evaluation reports for each of the 10 Labs. Each of these volumes contains the individual Lab evaluation plan, the synthesis report prepared by the panel chair, the individual evaluation reports prepared by each of the peer reviewers, and a written response prepared by the Lab.

This volume (Study Design and Methodology) is comprised of three chapters. Chapter I provides an overview of the evaluation framework, including the evaluation criteria, evaluation questions, evaluation indicators, and possible data sources. Chapter II reviews the various components of the peer review process, including recruitment, panel assignment, and training. Chapter III provides a summary of how the evaluation process was implemented, from the development of an individual evaluation plan, to the review of advance materials, through the on-site visit and reporting process.

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This report was prepared under contract ED 98-CO-0028. The views expressed herein are those of the contractor (and the independent panel reviewers). No official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education is intended or should be inferred.

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Chapter 1. Evaluation Framework