Monitoring Educational Outcomes: Information for Decision-Making and Programmatic Improvement.

This paper discusses how educational program developers can design useful systems for gathering ongoing information about program outcomes to aid in the decision-making process. An introductory section offers basic definitions and a rationale for collecting outcomes information. Next, roadblocks to using information for decision making are identified. These include too much information, a perception of information as threatening, and the psychology of using information for making decisions. The remainder of the paper elaborates on requirements of an effective system for monitoring programmatic outcomes. These include: (1) identification and involvement of key stakeholders throughout the process; (2) establishment of a program vision; (3) development of measurable outcome goals; (4) development of indicators for these goals; (5) identification and prioritization of needs; and (6) development of action plans to reduce needs and achieve goals. The paper concludes that to be effective, a measurement system must produce information useful to teachers and other individuals who have the closest contact with students. (Contains 32 references.) (DB)