Assessment and Evaluation Resources

Assessing Learning in Informal Science Contexts
This paper is primarily concerned with the assessment of outcomes in
informal settings with a particular focus on science learning. An examination of
hypothesized or presumed outcomes (both intended and serendipitous) of
informal science learning experiences leads on to a critical analysis of the
methodologies and methods used to assess those outcomes across a wide range of
contexts.

Assessment Tools in Informal Science (ATIS)
This searchable Web site provides assessment tools for informal science learning. The goal is to provide practitioners, evaluators, researchers, and policy makers with the information to choose appropriate tools for assessing program quality and outcomes for children and youth. Supported by the Noyce Foundation, PEAR (Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency) located at Mclean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reviewed existing tools and published the findings in a report. This Web site is based on the findings of that report and will be continuously updated in collaboration with the Youth Development Researchers at 4-H.

ETS Test Collection
The collection is the largest in the world. It was established to make information on standardized tests and research instruments available to researchers, graduate students, and teachers." The site hosts a searchable database of tests, along with descriptions and contact information. Some tests may be downloaded directly from the site for a fee.

Foundation Coalition Assessment Overview
This link provides a basic overview of assessment and evaluation, refer to the engineering Foundation Coalition's assessment overview.

Foundation Coalition Glossary
This link provides a glossary of assessment and evaluation terms (e.g. reliability, validity).

Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation
Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation (PARE) is an on-line journal supported, in part, by the Department of Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation at the University of Maryland, College Park. Includes full text articles on technical aspects of conducting research and assessment.

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