Contracting Officer Technical Representative Briefing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gettleman, Alan

2001-01-01

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of the Agency Occupational Health Program, including details on organizational and personnel changes, medical program standardization, programmatic status, policies, standards, and guides and resources, industrial hygiene and radiological health, assessment schedule and methodology, upcoming events, and the future of the program.

Use of Standardized Mastery Content Assessments Given during the First Year of a Baccalaureate Nursing Program for Predicting NCLEX-RN Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Emory, DeAnna Jan

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between standardized content specific mastery assessments and NCLEX-RN outcomes. Three content-specific standardized assessments testing Fundamentals, Pharmacology and Mental Health concepts were used to explain the dichotomous NCLEX-RN outcome of pass or fail. The three assessments were…

How to Tackle the Shift of Educational Assessment from Learning Outcomes to Competencies: One Program's Transition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meyer-Adams, Nancy; Potts, Marilyn K.; Koob, Jeffrey J.; Dorsey, Catherine J.; Rosales, Anna M.

2011-01-01

Although the new Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) represent a shift from measuring learning outcomes to core competencies, results from assessments conducted prior to this shift continue to provide useful information for program-level assessment and can serve as a baseline as programs redesign assessments for reaffirmation.…

Creating Standards-Based Technology Education Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daugherty, Michael K.; Klenke, Andrew M.; Neden, Michael

2008-01-01

One of the most intimidating tasks faced by new or practicing technology education teachers is the challenge of creating new facilities or renovating current facilities for a new purpose. While the fourth program standard in "Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards (AETL)"…

7 CFR 62.212 - Official assessment reports.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES (QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAMS) Quality Systems Verification Programs Definitions Service § 62.212 Official assessment reports. Official QSVP assessment reports shall be generated...

Assessing Conformity to Standards for Treatment Foster Care.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farmer, Elizabeth M. Z.; Burns, Barbara J.; Dubs, Melanie S.; Thompson, Shealy

2002-01-01

This study examined conformity to the Program Standards for Treatment Foster Care among 42 statewide programs. Findings suggest fair to good overall conformity, with considerable variation among programs. A discussion of methodological and substantive considerations for future research and evaluation using this approach is included. (Contains…

Early Identification of At-Risk LPN-to-RN Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawthorne, Lisa K.

2013-01-01

Nurse education programs are implementing standardized assessments without evaluating their effectiveness. Graduates of associate degree nursing programs continue to be unsuccessful with licensure examinations, despite standardized testing and stronger admission criteria. This problem is also prevalent for LPN-to-RN education programs due to a…

A Program Evaluation of a Seminar Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Robert Dale, Jr.

2013-01-01

When students do not score well on standardized tests, their school can suffer. In an attempt to improve standardized test scores, a district placed students into a program called Seminar to help them work on weak areas of content through personalized instruction. The purpose of this project study was to assess if the Seminar program had a…

Physical Activity Stories: Assessing the "Meaning Standard" in Physical Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Tyler G.

2016-01-01

The presence of the "meaning standard" in both national and state content standards suggests that professionals consider it an important outcome of a quality physical education program. However, only 10 percent of states require an assessment to examine whether students achieve this standard. The purpose of this article is to introduce…

29 CFR 29.6 - Program performance standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... apprenticeship programs. (1) The tools and factors to be used must include, but are not limited to: (i) Quality assurance assessments; (ii) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance Reviews; and (iii) Completion... 29 Labor 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Program performance standards. 29.6 Section 29.6 Labor...

NASA Educational Product Development and Post-Secondary Program Assessment Planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salmons, Phyllis A.

1999-01-01

Producing "value-added students" involves proactively addressing how successfully students develop their skills, knowledge, and personal, social, and ethical growth due to their association with a program. NASA programs for higher education can certainly be responsive in aiding the academic community strive for quality in terms of "valueadded" students. By identifying essential characteristics of exemplary assessment practices, the standards developed by accrediting agencies serve as guides for developing quality practices and policies. Such a process is an effective tool for communicating the expectations of the educational components of a program to all concerned with the program and its expected results. When standards are connected to student performance, they provide a very compelling argument for refocusing the definition of quality in higher education. By linking standards and performance, student learning and development becomes the starting point for examining program quality. If the multiple stakeholders - faculty, peers, the professional community, addressed assessment issues, then accreditation can be a link among various constituencies, the parties can better understand the needs of each other and develop the necessary trust needed for understanding and support.

Mercer County Community College Remedial Program Assessment, August 1988. Two Year Follow-Up of the Fall 1986 Cohort.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porter, Al

This assessment of New Jersey's Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) remedial program provides a program overview, results of a two-year follow-up of fall 1986 remedial students, and comparative data from previous years. The program overview examines policies and procedures concerning placement criteria, exit standards, program acceptance,…

The Rise and Fall of a Standards Based Spelling Assessment: Did Spelling Improve or Is it Just Another Case of Teaching to the Test?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenton, Ray; Stofflet, Fred; Straugh, Tom

This paper reports the creation, implementation, and discontinuation of a standards based spelling assessment program in Anchorage, Alaska. The program was initiated by the Anchorage school board as part of establishing district-wide performance goals for students in 1998-1999. Spelling was singled out for attention because of national discussions…

Assessment and Program Accountability in Early Childhood Education: Lessons Learned in Ohio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boat, Mary; Zorn, Debbie; Austin, James T.

2005-01-01

Ensuring that children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, start school ready to learn is an important goal. This paper presents lessons learned from the state of Ohio's multi-year program to develop a standards-based assessment system for programs delivering state-funded early childhood education (ECE) through programs receiving…

Maryland School Performance Program. Outcomes, Standards, & High-Stakes Accountability: Perspectives from Maryland and Kentucky.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haigh, John A.

This document presents a collection of materials on school performance in Maryland, especially as demonstrated in the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) and the Independence Mastery Assessment Program (IMAP) for some special needs students. The MSPAP is a testing program administered to third, fifth, and eighth grade students…

New Mexico Statewide Assessment Program (NMSAP) Procedures Manual, 2007-2008

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Mexico Public Education Department, 2007

2007-01-01

This manual has been prepared for all New Mexico Statewide Assessment Program (NMSAP) assessment administrators, teachers, school specialists, and principals. It includes information about the following topics: PED contacts, New Mexico Standards Based Assessments (SBA), Grades 3-8 and 11; New Mexico High School Competency Examination (NMHSCE);…

Feedback data sources that inform physician self-assessment.

PubMed

Lockyer, Jocelyn; Armson, Heather; Chesluk, Benjamin; Dornan, Timothy; Holmboe, Eric; Loney, Elaine; Mann, Karen; Sargeant, Joan

2011-01-01

Self-assessment is a process of interpreting data about one's performance and comparing it to explicit or implicit standards. To examine the external data sources physicians used to monitor themselves. Focus groups were conducted with physicians who participated in three practice improvement activities: a multisource feedback program; a program providing patient and chart audit data; and practice-based learning groups. We used grounded theory strategies to understand the external sources that stimulated self-assessment and how they worked. Data from seven focus groups (49 physicians) were analyzed. Physicians used information from structured programs, other educational activities, professional colleagues, and patients. Data were of varying quality, often from non-formal sources with implicit (not explicit) standards. Mandatory programs elicited variable responses, whereas data and activities the physicians selected themselves were more likely to be accepted. Physicians used the information to create a reference point against which they could weigh their performance using it variably depending on their personal interpretation of its accuracy, application, and utility. Physicians use and interpret data and standards of varying quality to inform self-assessment. Physicians may benefit from regular and routine feedback and guidance on how to seek out data for self-assessment.

A Program Manager’s Guide for Program Improvement in Ongoing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs. The RAND Toolkit, Volume 4

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

Hughes EFX, Boerstler H, O’Connor EJ. “Assessing the Impact of Continuous Quality Improvement/ Total Quality Management : Concept versus...facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. Gery...RAND Program Manager’s Guide helps managers assess program performance, consider options for improvement, implement solutions, then assess whether the

Standard Review Risk Assessment on Medium-chain and Long-chain Chlorinated paraffin PMN submissions by Qualice, LLC

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This assessment was conducted under EPA’s TSCA Section 5 New Chemicals Program. EPA is assessing Medium-chain Chlorinated Paraffin (MCCP) and Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffin (LCCP) chemicals as part of its New Chemicals Review program.

Standard Review Risk Assessment on Medium-chain and Long-chain Chlorinated paraffin PMN submissions by Dover Chemical

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This assessment was conducted under EPA’s TSCA Section 5 New Chemicals Program. EPA is assessing Medium-chain Chlorinated Paraffin (MCCP) and Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffin (LCCP) chemicals as part of its New Chemicals Review program.

Benefits of a Pharmacology Antimalarial Reference Standard and Proficiency Testing Program Provided by the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN)

PubMed Central

Lourens, Chris; Lindegardh, Niklas; Barnes, Karen I.; Guerin, Philippe J.; Sibley, Carol H.; White, Nicholas J.

2014-01-01

Comprehensive assessment of antimalarial drug resistance should include measurements of antimalarial blood or plasma concentrations in clinical trials and in individual assessments of treatment failure so that true resistance can be differentiated from inadequate drug exposure. Pharmacometric modeling is necessary to assess pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships in different populations to optimize dosing. To accomplish both effectively and to allow comparison of data from different laboratories, it is essential that drug concentration measurement is accurate. Proficiency testing (PT) of laboratory procedures is necessary for verification of assay results. Within the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), the goal of the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program is to facilitate and sustain high-quality antimalarial assays. The QA/QC program consists of an international PT program for pharmacology laboratories and a reference material (RM) program for the provision of antimalarial drug standards, metabolites, and internal standards for laboratory use. The RM program currently distributes accurately weighed quantities of antimalarial drug standards, metabolites, and internal standards to 44 pharmacology, in vitro, and drug quality testing laboratories. The pharmacology PT program has sent samples to eight laboratories in four rounds of testing. WWARN technical experts have provided advice for correcting identified problems to improve performance of subsequent analysis and ultimately improved the quality of data. Many participants have demonstrated substantial improvements over subsequent rounds of PT. The WWARN QA/QC program has improved the quality and value of antimalarial drug measurement in laboratories globally. It is a model that has potential to be applied to strengthening laboratories more widely and improving the therapeutics of other infectious diseases. PMID:24777099

California's Early Assessment Program: Its Effectiveness and the Obstacles to Successful Program Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLean, Hilary

2012-01-01

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) has emerged as a national model for states seeking to design policies that increase the number of students who leave high school ready for college and careers. In addition, the two national consortia designing new assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards have recognized the EAP as a model for the…

Differences in Perceived Implementation of a Standard versus Peer-Led Interactive Substance Abuse Prevention Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valente, Thomas W.; Okamoto, Janet; Pumpuang, Patchareeya; Okamoto, Paula; Sussman, Steve

2007-01-01

Objective: To assess perceived implementation of 2 substance-abuse prevention programs: a standard one and a peer-led interactive one. Methods: Data from 16 health educators were collected after 504 classroom sessions, 63 of which were observed by 24 monitors. Results: In the interactive program, health educators (HEs) followed the curriculum less…

Holistic Assessment of Students in Undergraduate Industrial Technology Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Field, Dennis W.; Freeman, Steven A.; Dyrenfurth, Michael J.

2004-01-01

The nature and assessment of education is changing significantly, and the assessment trajectory is away from sole reliance on the traditional perspective of student grades. Technology faculty must respond to the changing requirements of student assessment and ensure that graduates of the program meet both the expectations and standards of the…

Standard Review Risk Assessment on Medium-chain and Long-chain Chlorinated paraffin PMN submissions by INEOS Chlor Americas

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This assessment was conducted under EPA’s TSCA Section 5 New Chemicals Program. EPA is assessing Medium-chain Chlorinated Paraffin (MCCP) and Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffin (LCCP) chemicals as part of its New Chemicals Review program.

Child Development Functionality Assessment Guide: Standards and Requirements for Developing Most Efficient Organizations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Department of the Army, Washington, DC.

As part of its cost containment efforts, the U.S. Navy continues to evaluate its child development program to expand availability without compromising the high quality standards required by the 1989 Military Child Care Act. This manual provides guidelines for conducting Functionality Assessments (FA) and delineates the standards and requirements…

Assessing the Assessors: JMC Administrators Critique the Nine ACEJMC Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinardy, Scott; Crawford, Jerry, II.

2013-01-01

For nearly ninety years, journalism professionals and academics have attempted to develop standards by which to prepare college students for the media industry. For nearly 70 years, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) has assessed programs based on its standards. This study surveyed administers of…

Extracurricular Physical Activity Programs in California Private Secondary Schools.

PubMed

Kahan, David; McKenzie, Thomas L

2017-12-01

Interscholastic, intramural, and club physical activity (PA) programs can be important contributors to student PA accrual at schools. Few studies have assessed factors related to the provision of these extracurricular PA programs, especially in private schools. We used a 16-item questionnaire to assess the associations and influences of selected factors relative to extracurricular PA program policies and practices in 450 private California secondary schools. Associations were evaluated using contingency table analyses (i.e., chi-squared, effect size, and post-hoc analyses). Six factors were associated with schools providing extracurricular PA programs: school location, level, enrollment, and religious classification and whether the physical education (PE) program met state PE time standards and was taught by PE specialists. Both static factors (e.g., school location, level, enrollment, and religious affiliation) and modifiable factors (e.g., meeting PE standards and employing specialists) affect the provision of extracurricular PA programs. As education is state-mandated, additional study is recommended to assess the generalizability of these findings to other states and to public schools.

Fulfilling a Promise: Standards for Technological Literacy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bybee, Rodger W.

2003-01-01

Discusses the place of standards in U.S. education, the development of the Standards for Technological Literacy, and the recent publication of "Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards." (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

CMAQ in the states : a preliminary assessment of the CMAQ program's contribution toward meeting ozone standards

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-01-08

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program provides funds to states for projects designed to help metropolitan areas attain and maintain the national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). The objective of this analysis is t...

Governance and assessment in a widely distributed medical education program in Australia.

PubMed

Solarsh, Geoff; Lindley, Jennifer; Whyte, Gordon; Fahey, Michael; Walker, Amanda

2012-06-01

The learning objectives, curriculum content, and assessment standards for distributed medical education programs must be aligned across the health care systems and community contexts in which their students train. In this article, the authors describe their experiences at Monash University implementing a distributed medical education program at metropolitan, regional, and rural Australian sites and an offshore Malaysian site, using four different implementation models. Standardizing learning objectives, curriculum content, and assessment standards across all sites while allowing for site-specific implementation models created challenges for educational alignment. At the same time, this diversity created opportunities to customize the curriculum to fit a variety of settings and for innovations that have enriched the educational system as a whole.Developing these distributed medical education programs required a detailed review of Monash's learning objectives and curriculum content and their relevance to the four different sites. It also required a review of assessment methods to ensure an identical and equitable system of assessment for students at all sites. It additionally demanded changes to the systems of governance and the management of the educational program away from a centrally constructed and mandated curriculum to more collaborative approaches to curriculum design and implementation involving discipline leaders at multiple sites.Distributed medical education programs, like that at Monash, in which cohorts of students undertake the same curriculum in different contexts, provide potentially powerful research platforms to compare different pedagogical approaches to medical education and the impact of context on learning outcomes.

TDA Assessment of Recommendations for Space Data System Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Posner, E. C.; Stevens, R.

1984-01-01

NASA is participating in the development of international standards for space data systems. Recommendations for standards thus far developed are assessed. The proposed standards for telemetry coding and packet telemetry provide worthwhile benefit to the DSN; their cost impact to the DSN should be small. Because of their advantage to the NASA space exploration program, their adoption should be supported by TDA, JPL, and OSTDS.

A Paradigm Shift toward Evidence-Based Clinical Practice: Developing a Performance Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wentworth, Nancy; Erickson, Lynnette B.; Lawrence, Barbara; Popham, J. Aaron; Korth, Byran

2009-01-01

The Clinical Practice Assessment System (CPAS), developed in response to teacher preparation program accreditation requirements, represents a paradigm shift of one university toward data-based decision-making in teacher education programs. The new assessment system is a scale aligned with INTASC Standards, which allows for observation and…

42 CFR 438.240 - Quality assessment and performance improvement program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Quality assessment and performance improvement... Performance Improvement Measurement and Improvement Standards § 438.240 Quality assessment and performance improvement program. (a) General rules. (1) The State must require, through its contracts, that each MCO and...

Lessons Learned about the Methodology of Economic Impact Studies: The NIST Experience.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tassey, Gregory

1999-01-01

Summarizes ongoing economic impact assessment activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for its Measurement and Standards Laboratory Program. Explores designing economic impact studies for integration into assessments of broader programmatic objectives. (SLD)

E-Portfolio Assessment: A Mixed Methods Study of an Instructional Leadership Program's Assessment System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hardin, James; Wright, Vivian H.

2017-01-01

Institutions of higher education face demands to provide evidence of institutional and student achievement. Many institutions utilize standards-based e-portfolio assessment practices to meet these demands. The assessment data derived from the studied program's e-portfolio process were not originally intended to serve as a data source for…

Sustaining Assessment: A Post-Epidemiological Approach Using "The Program Evaluation Standards"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Axelson, Rick D.; Flick, Arend

2009-01-01

At a recent assessment workshop, one of the authors' colleagues, Andrew Stuart Bergerson, offered a novel metaphor for building their university's assessment program. "We need to spread the assessment virus on campus," Drew remarked, half seriously. Although they had a good laugh over this image at the time, it encapsulates the faculty-driven…

Organizational Change Efforts: Methodologies for Assessing Organizational Effectiveness and Program Costs versus Benefits.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Macy, Barry A.; Mirvis, Philip H.

1982-01-01

A standardized methodology for identifying, defining, and measuring work behavior and performance rather than production, and a methodology that estimates the costs and benefits of work innovation are presented for assessing organizational effectiveness and program costs versus benefits in organizational change programs. Factors in a cost-benefit…

12 CFR Appendix B to Part 364 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Part 364—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards Table of Contents I... Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of Directors B. Assess Risk C. Manage and...

Early Intervention Paraprofessional Standards: Development and Field Validation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Banerjee, Rashida; Chopra, Ritu V.; DiPalma, Geraldine

2017-01-01

Personnel standards are the foundations for how states and nations approve a program, engage in systemic assessment, and provide effective professional development to its early childhood professionals. However, despite the extensive use of paraprofessionals in early intervention/early childhood special education programs, there is a lack of…

Teaching and assessing competence in cataract surgery.

PubMed

Henderson, Bonnie An; Ali, Rasha

2007-02-01

To review recent literature regarding innovative techniques, methods of teaching and assessing competence and skill in cataract surgery. The need for assessment of surgical competency and the requirement of wet lab facilities in ophthalmic training programs are being increasingly emphasized. Authors have proposed the use of standardized forms to collect objective and subjective data regarding the residents' surgical performance. Investigators have reported methods to improve visualization of cadaver and animal eyes for the wet lab, including the use of capsular dyes. The discussion of virtual reality as a teaching tool for surgical programs continues. Studies have proven that residents trained on a laparoscopic simulator outperformed nontrained residents during actual surgery for both surgical times and numbers of errors. Besides virtual reality systems, a program is being developed to separate the cognitive portion from the physical aspects of surgery. Another program couples surgical videos with three-dimensional animation to enhance the trainees' topographical understanding. Proper assessment of surgical competency is becoming an important focus of training programs. The use of surgical data forms may assist in standardizing objective assessments. Virtual reality, cognitive curriculum and animation video programs can be helpful in improving residents' surgical performance.

Literacy, Numeracy, and Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments among U.S. Adults: Results from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies 2012. Appendix D: Standard Error Tables. First Look. NCES 2014-008

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Education Statistics, 2013

2013-01-01

This paper provides Appendix D, Standard Error tables, for the full report, entitled. "Literacy, Numeracy, and Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments among U.S. Adults: Results from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies 2012. First Look. NCES 2014-008." The full report presents results of the Program…

A Case Study of an Aeronautical Systems Division System Program Office.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

11111 -’.-- m 1 1.25 111111.4 1 1.6_ MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS-1963-A If. t 1’ I I( N 2> - .~.. * .~ .~-I ~ k~’ ~K ~r...office....assesses.................. 8 Section 11 The Standard Aircraft Sensor UnitProgram........ 32 Section III Terms and Defnition ...contracts with industry, (b) test programs with both industry and other DOD organizations, (c) aircraft production or modification programs with both

12 CFR Appendix D-2 to Part 208 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Relationships Risk Management Principles,” Nov. 1, 2001; FDIC FIL 68-99, Risk Assessment Tools and Practices for.... Definitions II. Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of...

12 CFR Appendix F to Part 225 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Relationships Risk Management Principles,” Nov. 1, 2001; FDIC FIL 68-99, Risk Assessment Tools and Practices for.... Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of Directors B...

The MPA Capstone Course: Multifaceted Uses and Potentialities in Program Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmed, Shamima

2015-01-01

In the United States, Master of Public Administration Program (MPA) accreditations come through fulfilling the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and administration (NASPAA) accreditation standards. In 2009, NASPAA made some significant revisions to its accreditation standards. One of the major revisions is the requirement for programs…

Why CATTS Needs SPACE! Standards-Based Technology Curricula for Standards-Based Technology Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Barry N.

2005-01-01

A recent discussion on ITEA's (International Technology Education Association's) IdeaGarden centered on the need for a "national curriculum." The idea of a national curriculum is one of great debate. Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy (AETL) identifies criteria for student assessment, professional development, and programs that…

Program Standards for the Initial Preparation of Teachers of Social Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council for the Social Studies, Washington, DC.

These guidelines are derived from the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) document, "National Standards for Social Studies Teachers." The guidelines are intended to be used by institutions that prepare teachers to assess the quality of their teacher preparation programs for licensure (or certification) in comprehensive social…

Category 1 external quality assessment program for serum creatinine.

PubMed

González-Lao, Elisabet; Díaz-Garzón, Jorge; Corte, Zoraida; Ricós, Carmen; Perich, Carmen; Álvarez, Virtudes; Simón, Margarita; Minchinela, Joana; García-Lario, José Vicente; Boned, Beatriz; Biosca, Carmen; Cava, Fernando; Fernández-Fernández, Pilar; Fernández-Calle, Pilar

2017-03-01

The Commission of Analytical Quality and the Committee of External Quality Programs of Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine (SEQC) in collaboration with the Dutch Foundation for the Quality organized the first national category 1 External Quality Assessment Programs (EQAP) pilot study. The aim is to evaluate the standardization of serum creatinine measurements in the Spanish laboratories through a category 1 external quality assurance program with commutable material and reference method assigned values. A total of 87 Spanish laboratories were involved in this program in 2015. Each day a sample control was measured by duplicate during 6 consecutive days. Percentage deviations and coefficients of variation obtained were compared with quality specifications derived from biological variation. A total of 1044 creatinine results were obtained. Laboratories were coded in 11 different method-traceability combinations. Only enzymatic methods get all results within the acceptability limits. To participate in a category 1 EQAP is a valuable tool to assess the standardization degree in our country; a big effort should be made to promote laboratories to change their procedures and to use enzymatic creatinine methods, in order to achieve a satisfactory standardization degree for this important analyte.

A Correlational Study of the Tennessee Formative Assessment Program (TFAP) to the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) on Fifth Grade Reading/Language Arts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Tina R.

2009-01-01

The approach of high-stakes testing and accountability of student learning has resulted in an increase of ongoing assessments and continual instructional adjustments by teachers to achieve maximum student performance on standardized tests. According to Black and Wiliam (1998a), formative assessments can produce significant learning gains by…

Learning clinical communication skills: outcomes of a program for professional practitioners.

PubMed

Carvalho, Irene P; Pais, Vanessa G; Almeida, Susana S; Ribeiro-Silva, Raquel; Figueiredo-Braga, Margarida; Teles, Ana; Castro-Vale, Ivone; Mota-Cardoso, Rui

2011-07-01

To assess the effects of a communication skills program on professional practitioners' performance and self-confidence in clinical interviewing. Twenty-five health professionals took 3 months of basic communication skills followed by 3 months of advanced communication skills. An additional quarter dealt with self-awareness and communication in special situations. Participants' performances were evaluated in clinical interviews with standardized patients before, during and after the program by external observers and standardized patients, using standardized instruments. Participants assessed their own confidence in their communication skills before and after the program. Data were analysed using GLM repeated-measures procedures in SPSS. Basic communication skills and self-confidence improved throughout the 6 months; competencies declined but self-confidence continued to increase 4 months later. Compared with taking no course, differences were statistically significant after the 6 months (external observers only) and 4 months later (external observers and participants). The program effectively improved communication skills, although significantly only when assessed by external observers. Four months later, effects were significant in communication skills (external observers), despite the decline and in self-confidence. While periodical enrollment in programs for the practice of communication skills may help maintain performance, more knowledge on communication and self-awareness may enhance self-confidence. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Survey of Instruments and Practices Associated with Teacher Education Follow-Up Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCoy, Christine Ann Baker

2010-01-01

Teacher education programs that are NCATE accredited are required to have an assessment system that includes follow-up on their graduates. This assessment system is guided by NCATE Standard 2 which judges how each unit uses external information from graduates and employers to refine their teacher education program. These programs use the collected…

When should I attempt my centrally administered summative assessments in the RANZCP competency-based training program?

PubMed

Kealy-Bateman, Warren; Kotze, Beth; Lampe, Lisa

2016-12-01

To provide information relevant to decision-making around the timing of attempting the centrally administered summative assessments in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 2012 Fellowship Program. We consider the new Competency-Based Fellowship Program of the RANZCP and its underlying philosophy, the trainee trajectory within the program and the role of the supervisor. The relationship between workplace-based and external assessments is discussed. The timing of attempting centrally administered summative assessments is considered within the pedagogical framework of medical competencies development. Although successful completion of all the centrally administered summative assessments requires demonstration of a junior consultant standard of competency, the timing at which this standard will most commonly be achieved is likely to vary from assessment to assessment. There are disadvantages attendant upon prematurely attempting assessments, and trainees are advised to carefully consider the requirements of each assessment and match this against their current level of knowledge and skills. Trainees and supervisors need to be clear about the competencies required for each of the external assessments and match this against the trainee's current competencies to assist in decision-making about the timing of assessments and planning for future learning. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2016.

Para Candidatos en Programas de Centros de Cuidado y Educacion Infantil con Bebes y "Toddlers": Asociado en Desarrollo Infantil Sistema de Evaluacion y Normas de Competencia CDA (Infant/Toddler Caregivers in Center-Based Programs: The Child Development Associate Assessment System and Competency Standards).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, Washington, DC.

This Spanish-language booklet outlines the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for caregivers working in center-based infant and toddler day care programs. Part 1 provides an overview of the CDA credentialing system and the various options, settings, standards, and stages of the CDA assessment system. Part 2 explains…

Integrating information from disparate sources: the Walter Reed National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data Transfer Project.

PubMed

Nelson, Victoria; Nelson, Victoria Ruth; Li, Fiona; Green, Susan; Tamura, Tomoyoshi; Liu, Jun-Min; Class, Margaret

2008-11-06

The Walter Reed National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data Transfer web module integrates with medical and surgical information systems, and leverages outside standards, such as the National Library of Medicine's RxNorm, to process surgical and risk assessment data. Key components of the project included a needs assessment with nurse reviewers and a data analysis for federated (standards were locally controlled) data sources. The resulting interface streamlines nurse reviewer workflow by integrating related tasks and data.

Reenvisioning Assessment for the Academy and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's Standards Revision Process

PubMed Central

Kelley, Katherine A.; Kuba, Sarah E.; Mason, Holly L.; Mueller, Bruce A.; Plake, Kimberly S.; Seaba, Hazel H.; Soliman, Suzanne R.; Sweet, Burgunda V.; Yee, Gary C.

2013-01-01

Assessment has become a major aspect of accreditation processes across all of higher education. As the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) plans a major revision to the standards for doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) education, an in-depth, scholarly review of the approaches and strategies for assessment in the PharmD program accreditation process is warranted. This paper provides 3 goals and 7 recommendations to strengthen assessment in accreditation standards. The goals include: (1) simplified standards with a focus on accountability and improvement, (2) institutionalization of assessment efforts; and (3) innovation in assessment. Evolving and shaping assessment practices is not the sole responsibility of the accreditation standards. Assessment requires commitment and dedication from individual faculty members, colleges and schools, and organizations supporting the college and schools, such as the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Therefore, this paper also challenges the academy and its members to optimize assessment practices. PMID:24052644

Standards & Criteria for the Development and Evaluation of a Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD. Bureau of Health Care Delivery and Assistance.

This document was designed for use by persons or agencies interested in both establishing and evaluating employee assistance programs (EAP) for federal employees. It contains essential elements, standards, and assessment criteria which have been developed to assist in the planning and implementation of services, and to provide a framework for…

Student Gains in Self-Efficacy in an Advanced MSW Curriculum: A Customized Model for Outcomes Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rishel, Carrie W.; Majewski, Virginia

2009-01-01

The new Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) identify assessment as "an integral component of competency-based education." It is not new, however, that programs must demonstrate plans to assess attainment of competencies or expected program outcomes and show how data collection and analysis inform curriculum decisions. Previous…

Operational Components of Telemedicine Programs for Diabetic Retinopathy.

PubMed

Horton, Mark B; Silva, Paolo S; Cavallerano, Jerry D; Aiello, Lloyd Paul

2016-12-01

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of new-onset vision loss worldwide. Treatments supported by large clinical trials are effective in preserving vision, but many persons do not receive timely diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is typically asymptomatic when most treatable. Telemedicine evaluation to identify diabetic retinopathy has the potential to improve access to care and improve outcomes, but incomplete implementation of published standards creates a risk to program utility and sustainability. In a prior article, we reviewed the literature regarding the impact of imaging device, number and size of retinal images, pupil dilation, type of image grader, and diagnostic accuracy on telemedicine assessment for diabetic retinopathy. This article reviews the literature regarding the impact of automated image grading, cost effectiveness, program standards, and quality assurance (QA) on telemedicine assessment of diabetic retinopathy. Telemedicine assessment of diabetic retinopathy has the potential to preserve vision, but greater attention to development and implementation of standards is needed to better realize its potential.

DOE limited standard: Operations assessments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1996-05-01

Purpose of this standard is to provide DOE Field Element assessors with a guide for conducting operations assessments, and provide DOE Field Element managers with the criteria of the EM Operations Assessment Program. Sections 6.1 to 6.21 provide examples of how to assess specific areas; the general techniques of operations assessments (Section 5) may be applied to other areas of health and safety (e.g. fire protection, criticality safety, quality assurance, occupational safety, etc.).

The 1982-83 Promotional Gates Program: Mid-Year Assessment and Analysis of August, 1982 and January, 1983 Test Results. O.E.E. Evaluation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Opperman, Prudence; And Others

The Promotional Gates Program was initiated in the New York City Public Schools in order to set and maintain citywide curriculum and performance standards, identify students unable to meet the minimum standards, and provide remedial instruction. Under this program, the promotional policy sets "gates" at grades 4 and 7; students unable to…

Retaining minorities in engineering: Assessment of a program prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Good, Jennifer Marie (Phillips)

Program assessment is an essential part of healthy program development. Assessment should include multiple considerations, dimensions, and outcomes that match the program's objectives. As a newly formed retention program, the Auburn University Minority Engineering Program, designed to help pre-engineering minority students make the transition into their freshman year of university studies, incorporated evaluation and assessment into all three components of the program (the interactive learning laboratory, critical-thinking workshops, and Sunday-evening tutorials) from the program's inception. If students successfully adapted to the university environment and the demands of the pre-engineering course of study, then retention of minority students in the College of Engineering should improve. Data were gathered on the students involved in the various program components. Students who entered the Minority Engineering Program were pre- and posttested on three standardized subtests (critical thinking, mathematics, and science reasoning) of the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency. The first-quarter grade-point averages of the students were also gathered to compare their grades to freshman students in previous quarters within the College of Engineering. Qualitative data were also gathered on this same group of students. An analysis of the data revealed that student achievement is affected by involvement in the Minority Engineering Program. Specifically, the first quarter grade point averages of students involved in the program exceeded those of their peers in earlier years of study prior to the program's existence. In addition, mathematics and science reasoning scores on standardized tests increased pre- to postintervention. Comments collected in journals and files also demonstrated use of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills employed by the students. Recommendations for alterations of the program were made based on the outcome of the program evaluation. Further suggestions for research in minority engineering program development and evaluation were also discussed.

Analysis of School Leaders Licensure Assessment Content Category I-V Scores and Principal Internship Self-Assessment Scores for ISLLC Standards I-V

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Michael D.

2016-01-01

This study compares School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) sub-scores with principal interns' self-assessment sub-scores (ISA) for a principal internship evaluation instrument in one educational leadership graduate program. The results of the study will be used to help establish the effectiveness of the current principal internship program,…

Animal behavior and well-being symposium: Farm animal welfare assurance: science and application.

PubMed

Rushen, J; Butterworth, A; Swanson, J C

2011-04-01

Public and consumer pressure for assurances that farm animals are raised humanely has led to a range of private and public animal welfare standards, and for methods to assess compliance with these standards. The standards usually claim to be science based, but even though researchers have developed measures of animal welfare and have tested the effects of housing and management variables on welfare within controlled laboratory settings, there are challenges in extending this research to develop on-site animal welfare standards. The standards need to be validated against a definition of welfare that has broad support and which is amenable to scientific investigation. Ensuring that such standards acknowledge scientific uncertainty is also challenging, and balanced input from all scientific disciplines dealing with animal welfare is needed. Agencies providing animal welfare audit services need to integrate these scientific standards and legal requirements into successful programs that effectively measure and objectively report compliance. On-farm assessment of animal welfare requires a combination of animal-based measures to assess the actual state of welfare and resource-based measures to identify risk factors. We illustrate this by referring to a method of assessing welfare in broiler flocks. Compliance with animal welfare standards requires buy-in from all stakeholders, and this will be best achieved by a process of inclusion in the development of pragmatic assessment methods and the development of audit programs verifying the conditions and continuous improvement of farm animal welfare.

Technical Skill Attainment and Post-Program Outcomes: An Analysis of Pennsylvania Secondary Career and Technical Education Graduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Staklis, Sandra; Klein, Steven

2010-01-01

Since the mid-1990s, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has required all students concentrating in career and technical education (CTE) programs to complete a standardized technical skill assessment at or near the end of their program. Results of technical skill assessments are used for a number of purposes, including recognizing…

Development of an Instrument for Indirect Assessment of College Business Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hogan, Eileen A.; Lusher, Anna; Mondal, Sunita

2012-01-01

In the spirit of continuous improvement, universities are constantly seeking ways to measure and enhance their effectiveness. Within colleges of business, the importance of assessment has been highlighted recently by AACSB accreditation standards dealing with assurance of learning. While AACSB standards focus primarily on direct measures of…

Examination of Curricula, Teaching Practices, and Assessment through National Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Weiyun

2005-01-01

This study examined to what degree the existing curricula, teaching practices, and assessments in 15 elementary physical education programs were aligned with the National Standards for Physical Education (NASPE, 1995) in the USA. Fifteen elementary physical education teachers voluntarily participated in this study. Data were gathered through…

The Assessment of a Tutoring Program to Meet CAS Standards Using a SWOT Analysis and Action Plan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fullmer, Patricia

2009-01-01

This article summarizes the use of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and subsequent action planning as a tool of self-assessment to meet CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education) requirements for systematic assessment. The use of the evaluation results to devise improvements to increase the…

Standardization of Course Plan and Design of Objective Structured Field Examination (OSFE) for the Assessment of Pharm.D. Student’s Community Pharmacy Clerkship Skills

PubMed Central

Monajjemzadeh, Farnaz; Shokri, Javad; Mohajel Nayebi, Ali Reza; Nemati, Mahboob; Azarmi, Yadollah; Charkhpour, Mohammad; Najafi, Moslem

2014-01-01

Purpose: This study was aimed to design Objective Structured Field Examination (OSFE) and also standardize the course plan of community pharmacy clerkship at Pharmacy Faculty of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Iran). Methods: The study was composed of several stages including; evaluation of the old program, standardization and implementation of the new course plan, design and implementation of OSFE, and finally results evaluation. Results: Lack of a fair final assessment protocol and proper organized educating system in various fields of community pharmacy clerkship skills were assigned as the main weaknesses of the old program. Educational priorities were determined and student’s feedback was assessed to design the new curriculum consisting of sessions to fulfill a 60-hour training course. More than 70% of the students were satisfied and successfulness and efficiency of the new clerkship program was significantly greater than the old program (P<0.05). In addition, they believed that OSFE was a suitable testing method. Conclusion: The defined course plan was successfully improved different skills of the students and OSFE was concluded as a proper performance based assessment method. This is easily adoptable by pharmacy faculties to improve the educational outcomes of the clerkship course. PMID:24511477

7 CFR 37.14 - Fees and other charges.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE COMMODITY STANDARDS AND STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS PROGRAM TO ASSESS ORGANIC CERTIFYING AGENCIES § 37.14 Fees and other charges. Fees and other...

Standardized metrics for accessibility : establishing a federal policy-relevant knowledge base : USDOT Region V Regional University Transportation Center final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-12-01

This report seeks opportunities for standardization of these data and explains findings on three principal tasks. First, it assesses the current state of standardized transportation data. By studying documentation of other programs of standardized da...

Coverage of Large-Scale Food Fortification of Edible Oil, Wheat Flour, and Maize Flour Varies Greatly by Vehicle and Country but Is Consistently Lower among the Most Vulnerable: Results from Coverage Surveys in 8 Countries123

PubMed Central

Aaron, Grant J; Friesen, Valerie M; Jungjohann, Svenja; Garrett, Greg S; Myatt, Mark

2017-01-01

Background: Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) of commonly consumed food vehicles is widely implemented in low- and middle-income countries. Many programs have monitoring information gaps and most countries fail to assess program coverage. Objective: The aim of this work was to present LSFF coverage survey findings (overall and in vulnerable populations) from 18 programs (7 wheat flour, 4 maize flour, and 7 edible oil programs) conducted in 8 countries between 2013 and 2015. Methods: A Fortification Assessment Coverage Toolkit (FACT) was developed to standardize the assessments. Three indicators were used to assess the relations between coverage and vulnerability: 1) poverty, 2) poor dietary diversity, and 3) rural residence. Three measures of coverage were assessed: 1) consumption of the vehicle, 2) consumption of a fortifiable vehicle, and 3) consumption of a fortified vehicle. Individual program performance was assessed based on the following: 1) achieving overall coverage ≥50%, 2) achieving coverage of ≥75% in ≥1 vulnerable group, and 3) achieving equity in coverage for ≥1 vulnerable group. Results: Coverage varied widely by food vehicle and country. Only 2 of the 18 LSFF programs assessed met all 3 program performance criteria. The 2 main program bottlenecks were a poor choice of vehicle and failure to fortify a fortifiable vehicle (i.e., absence of fortification). Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of sound program design and routine monitoring and evaluation. There is strong evidence of the impact and cost-effectiveness of LSFF; however, impact can only be achieved when the necessary activities and processes during program design and implementation are followed. The FACT approach fills an important gap in the availability of standardized tools. The LSFF programs assessed here need to be re-evaluated to determine whether to further invest in the programs, whether other vehicles are appropriate, and whether other approaches are needed. PMID:28404836

Coverage of Large-Scale Food Fortification of Edible Oil, Wheat Flour, and Maize Flour Varies Greatly by Vehicle and Country but Is Consistently Lower among the Most Vulnerable: Results from Coverage Surveys in 8 Countries.

PubMed

Aaron, Grant J; Friesen, Valerie M; Jungjohann, Svenja; Garrett, Greg S; Neufeld, Lynnette M; Myatt, Mark

2017-05-01

Background: Large-scale food fortification (LSFF) of commonly consumed food vehicles is widely implemented in low- and middle-income countries. Many programs have monitoring information gaps and most countries fail to assess program coverage. Objective: The aim of this work was to present LSFF coverage survey findings (overall and in vulnerable populations) from 18 programs (7 wheat flour, 4 maize flour, and 7 edible oil programs) conducted in 8 countries between 2013 and 2015. Methods: A Fortification Assessment Coverage Toolkit (FACT) was developed to standardize the assessments. Three indicators were used to assess the relations between coverage and vulnerability: 1 ) poverty, 2 ) poor dietary diversity, and 3 ) rural residence. Three measures of coverage were assessed: 1 ) consumption of the vehicle, 2 ) consumption of a fortifiable vehicle, and 3 ) consumption of a fortified vehicle. Individual program performance was assessed based on the following: 1 ) achieving overall coverage ≥50%, 2) achieving coverage of ≥75% in ≥1 vulnerable group, and 3 ) achieving equity in coverage for ≥1 vulnerable group. Results: Coverage varied widely by food vehicle and country. Only 2 of the 18 LSFF programs assessed met all 3 program performance criteria. The 2 main program bottlenecks were a poor choice of vehicle and failure to fortify a fortifiable vehicle (i.e., absence of fortification). Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of sound program design and routine monitoring and evaluation. There is strong evidence of the impact and cost-effectiveness of LSFF; however, impact can only be achieved when the necessary activities and processes during program design and implementation are followed. The FACT approach fills an important gap in the availability of standardized tools. The LSFF programs assessed here need to be re-evaluated to determine whether to further invest in the programs, whether other vehicles are appropriate, and whether other approaches are needed.

Teaching communication skills in clinical settings: comparing two applications of a comprehensive program with standardized and real patients

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Communication is important for the quality of clinical practice, and programs have been implemented to improve healthcare providers’ communication skills. However, the consistency of programs teaching communication skills has received little attention, and debate exists about the application of acquired skills to real patients. This study inspects whether (1) results from a communication program are replicated with different samples, and (2) results with standardized patients apply to interviews with real patients. Methods A structured, nine-month communication program was applied in two consecutive years to two different samples of healthcare professionals (25 in the first year, 20 in the second year). Results were assessed at four different points in time, each year, regarding participants’ confidence levels (self-rated), basic communication skills in interviews with standardized patients, and basic communication skills in interviews with real patients. Data were analyzed using GLM Repeated-Measures procedures. Results Improvements were statistically significant in both years in all measures except in simulated patients’ assessment of the 2008 group. Differences between the two samples were non-significant. Differences between interviews with standardized and with real patients were also non-significant. Conclusions The program’s positive outcomes were replicated in different samples, and acquired skills were successfully applied to real-patient interviews. This reinforces this type of program structure as a valuable training tool, with results translating into real situations. It also adds to the reliability of the assessment instruments employed, though these may need adaptation in the case of real patients. PMID:24886341

Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad. Fourth Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forum on Education Abroad, 2011

2011-01-01

This fourth edition of the Forum on Education Abroad's "Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad" augments previous editions of the "Standards." Since the last edition was published in 2008, Forum member institutions and organizations have implemented the Standards in program development and assessment, using the Standards in the Forum's…

Competency assessment in laboratory medicine: Standardization and utility for technical staff assessment and recertification in Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Nemenqani, Dalal M; Tekian, Ara; Park, Yoon Soo

2017-04-01

The assessment of technical staff members' competency has been a challenge for laboratory workers, to ensure patient safety and high quality services. The aim of this study was to (1) investigate awareness on best ways to assess lab competencies; (2) identify existing institutional methods of competency assessment and how staff perceptions; and (3) gather opinions of respondents about a proposed program for competency assessment in laboratory medicine. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, followed by an interview and discussion with laboratory stakeholders about a proposed competency assessment program that included all the six procedural elements of laboratory personnel competency assessment. An online questionnaire was sent via email to different hospitals in Saudi Arabia through survey monkey. A proposed competency assessment program was circulated via email to laboratory stakeholders who agreed to be enrolled in structured interviews. A total of 47 out of the 168 (25.3%) laboratory workers responded to the emailed survey administered via survey monkey. Among the survey respondents, 16 out of the 47 (34%) participated in the structured interview and the discussion and formed the community of practice group that provided insight and opinion about the proposed competency program. Among stakeholders, 87.2% practiced in accredited laboratories. Over half (52%) of respondents positively rated the proposed program. Results of interviews and discussions revealed suggestions about continuous ongoing assessment, such as the inclusion of laboratory quality management and safety as separate items to be unified for all sections. The proposed competency assessment program overcomes challenges noted in competency assessment and has been positively received by stakeholders. This program will be validated by a group of experts then implemented as part of a core curriculum for laboratory staff, in their assessment, certification, recertification, registration, evaluation and licensure in sample laboratories in Saudi Arabia. The program will be monitored and evaluated during and after implementation for processes and outcomes. Conclusions will be utilized for national competency program. This study represents an important step towards the implementation of a standardized laboratory competence assessment program at a national level.

Implementation of sustainable evidence-based practice for the assessment and management of pain in residential aged care facilities.

PubMed

Savvas, Steven; Toye, Christine; Beattie, Elizabeth; Gibson, Stephen J

2014-12-01

Pain is common in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). In 2005, the Australian Pain Society developed 27 recommendations for good practice in the identification, assessment, and management of pain in these settings. This study aimed to address implementation of the standards and evaluate outcomes. Five facilities in Australia participated in a comprehensive evaluation of RACF pain practice and outcomes. Pre-existing pain management practices were compared with the 27 recommendations, before an evidence-based pain management program was introduced that included training and education for staff and revised in-house pain-management procedures. Post-implementation audits evaluated the program's success. Aged care staff teams also were assessed on their reports of self-efficacy in pain management. The results show that before the implementation program, the RACFs demonstrated full compliance on 6 to 12 standards. By the project's completion, RACFs demonstrated full compliance with 10 to 23 standards and major improvements toward compliance in the remaining standards. After implementation, the staff also reported better understanding of the standards (p < .001) or of facility pain management guidelines (p < .001), increased confidence in therapies for pain management (p < .001), and increased confidence in their training to assess pain (p < .001) and recognize pain in residents with dementia who are nonverbal (p = .003). The results show that improved evidence-based practice in RACFs can be achieved with appropriate training and education. Investing resources in the aged care workforce via this implementation program has shown improvements in staff self-efficacy and practice. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-assessment of public health essential services among Illinois local health department administrators.

PubMed

Polyak, Georgeen; Madamala, Kusuma; Vasireddy, Vamsi; Landrum, Laura B; Bassler, Elissa J; Stob, Nicole J

2010-01-01

This article uses data from a study commissioned by the Illinois Public Health Institute in 2007 as part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Multistate Learning Collaborative Grant for exploring accreditation of health departments. Local health departments in Illinois were surveyed on their self-assessed performance in meeting a set of performance standards derived from the Illinois Practice Standards and the Operational Definition of a Functional Local Health Department. All state-certified local health departments were represented in the survey by the 81 respondents. The lowest scores were observed in the evaluate standard (evaluate programs and provide quality assurance in accordance with applicable professional and regulatory standards to ensure that programs are consistent with plans and policies, and provide feedback on inadequacies and changes needed to redirect programs and resources). The findings suggest that new approaches are needed to better integrate evaluation in local health departments beginning with training designed specifically for and informed by local health department administrators.

Changing State Policy in Texas for Remedial/Developmental Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook, Charles M.

The Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP), implemented in 1989, requires student assessment in reading, writing, and math prior to regular college course work. Students undergo continuous remediation until they are able to pass the assessment test. Though TASP advocates argue that the program helps maintain academic standards and provides students…

Assessment of the Impacts of Standards and Labeling Programs inMexico (four products).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanchez, Itha; Pulido, Henry; McNeil, Michael A.

2007-06-12

This study analyzes impacts from energy efficiency standards and labeling in Mexico from 1994 through 2005 for four major products: household refrigerators, room air conditioners, three-phase (squirrel cage) induction motors, and clothes washers. It is a retrospective analysis, seeking to assess verified impacts on product efficiency in the Mexican market in the first ten years after standards were implemented. Such an analysis allows the Mexican government to compare actual to originally forecast program benefits. In addition, it provides an extremely valuable benchmark for other countries considering standards, and to the energy policy community as a whole. The methodology for evaluationmore » begins with historical test data taken for a large number of models of each product type between 1994 and 2005. The pre-standard efficiency of models in 1994 is taken as a baseline throughout the analysis. Model efficiency data were provided by an independent certification laboratory (ANCE), which tested products as part of the certification and enforcement mechanism defined by the standards program. Using this data, together with economic and market data provided by both government and private sector sources, the analysis considers several types of national level program impacts. These include: Energy savings; Environmental (emissions) impacts, and Net financial impacts to consumers, manufacturers and utilities. Energy savings impacts are calculated using the same methodology as the original projections, allowing a comparison. Other impacts are calculated using a robust and sophisticated methodology developed by the Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas (IIE) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), in a collaboration supported by the Collaborative Labeling and Standards Program (CLASP).« less

Stakeholders' Perspectives towards the Use of the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in Manitoba

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shooshtari, Shahin; Temple, Beverley; Waldman, Celeste; Abraham, Sneha; Ouellette-Kuntz, Héléne; Lennox, Nicholas

2017-01-01

Background: No standardized tool is used in Canada for comprehensive health assessments of adults with intellectual disabilities. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of implementing the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) in Manitoba, Canada. Method: This was a qualitative study using a purposive sample of physicians,…

Community Health. Career & Technology Studies. Guide to Standards and Implementation. Interim 1996 (September 1996-September 1997).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. Curriculum Standards Branch.

This document contains materials for teachers to use in presenting the community health strand of the career and technology studies (CTS) program that has been approved for secondary schools in Alberta, Canada. The first three sections outline the philosophy/rationale, organization, and curriculum and assessment standards of the CTS program in…

Implementing the ESL Standards for Pre-K-12 Students through Teacher Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snow, Marguerite Ann, Ed.

Written by English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers and teacher educators who played key roles in the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages' (TESOL) Standards and Assessment Project, this book is designed for preservice teachers in credential/licensure programs and master's programs at American universities and for practicing ESL…

2016-2017 Florida Adult High School Technical Assistance Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida Department of Education, 2017

2017-01-01

The Adult High School (AHS) program enables an adult no longer enrolled in public high school to complete the required courses and state assessments to earn a standard high school diploma. Course requirements are in accordance with standards established by the state. A program of instruction for both traditional and co-enrolled AHS students shall…

15 CFR 285.7 - Assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL VOLUNTARY... privacy, such as salary, medical information, or performance reviews outside the scope of the...

Preparing School Leaders: Standards-Based Curriculum in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Michelle D.; Anderson, Erin; Nash, Angel Miles

2017-01-01

For the last few decades, leadership standards have served as a de facto "recommended curriculum" for preparation programs in the United States. In this article, we: (1) share the new National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, (2) present the literature supporting the standards, and (3) critically assess the influence…

Assessment of the NASA Flight Assurance Review Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, J.; Pruitt, G.

1983-01-01

The NASA flight assurance review program to develop minimum standard guidelines for flight assurance reviews was assessed. Documents from NASA centers and NASA headquarters to determine current design review practices and procedures were evaluated. Six reviews were identified for the recommended minimum. The practices and procedures used at the different centers to incorporate the most effective ones into the minimum standard review guidelines were analyzed and guidelines for procedures, personnel and responsibilies, review items/data checklist, and feedback and closeout were defined. The six recommended reviews and the minimum standards guidelines developed for flight assurance reviews are presented. Observations and conclusions for further improving the NASA review and quality assurance process are outlined.

Para Candidatos en Programas de Centros de Cuidado y Educacion Infantil con Ninos de Edad Pre-escolar: Asociado en Desarrollo Infantil Sistema de Evaluacion y Normas de Competencia CDA (Preschool Caregivers in Center-Based Programs: The Child Development Associate Assessment System and Competency Standards).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, Washington, DC.

This Spanish-language booklet outlines the requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool teachers or caregivers who work in center-based preschool day care programs. Part 1 provides an overview of the CDA credentialing system and the various options, settings, standards, and stages of the CDA assessment system.…

Harmonization of good laboratory practice requirements and laboratory accreditation programs.

PubMed

Royal, P D

1994-09-01

Efforts to harmonize Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements have been underway through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since 1981. In 1985, a GLP panel was established to facilitate the practical implementation of the OECD/GLP program. Through the OECD/GLP program, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) agreements which foster requirements for reciprocal data and study acceptance and unified GLP standards have been developed among member countries. Three OECD Consensus Workshops and three inspectors training workshops have been held. In concert with these efforts, several OECD countries have developed GLP accreditation programs, managed by local health and environmental ministries. In addition, Canada and the United States are investigating Laboratory Accreditation programs for environmental monitoring assessment and GLP-regulated studies. In the European Community (EC), the need for quality standards specifying requirements for production and international trade has promoted International Standards Organization (ISO) certification for certain products. ISO-9000 standards identify requirements for certification of quality systems. These certification programs may affect the trade and market of laboratories conducting GLP studies. Two goals identified by these efforts are common to both programs: first, harmonization and recognition of requirements, and second, confidence in the rigor of program components used to assess the integrity of data produced and study activities. This confidence can be promoted, in part, through laboratory inspection and screening processes. However, the question remains, will data produced by sanctioned laboratories be mutually accepted on an international basis?(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Primarily Assessing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watkinson, Anne

1991-01-01

The idea of assessment driving the curriculum and the importance of assessing students constantly instead of using only standardized tests are discussed. Informal observations used by teachers as a way of assessing student progress is emphasized. The United Kingdom's National Curriculum assessment program are described. (KR)

Introducing a design exigency to promote student learning through assessment: A case study.

PubMed

Grealish, Laurie A; Shaw, Julie M

2018-02-01

Assessment technologies are often used to classify student and newly qualified nurse performance as 'pass' or 'fail', with little attention to how these decisions are achieved. Examining the design exigencies of classification technologies, such as performance assessment technologies, provides opportunities to explore flexibility and change in the process of using those technologies. Evaluate an established assessment technology for nursing performance as a classification system. A case study analysis that is focused on the assessment approach and a priori design exigencies of performance assessment technology, in this case the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016. Nurse assessors are required to draw upon their expertise to judge performance, but that judgement is described as a source of bias, creating confusion. The definition of satisfactory performance is 'ready to enter practice'. To pass, the performance on each criterion must be at least satisfactory, indicating to the student that no further improvement is required. The Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 does not have a third 'other' category, which is usually found in classification systems. Introducing a 'not yet competent' category and creating a two-part, mixed methods assessment process can improve the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 assessment technology. Using a standards approach in the first part, judgement is valued and can generate learning opportunities across a program. Using a measurement approach in the second part, student performance can be 'not yet competent' but still meet criteria for year level performance and a graded pass. Subjecting the Australian Nursing Standards Assessment Tool 2016 assessment technology to analysis as a classification system provides opportunities for innovation in design. This design innovation has the potential to support students who move between programs and clinicians who assess students from different universities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Analysis of a Teacher Test Preparation Tutorial to Learner Test Scores: An Action Research Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mild, Toni L. Hittle

2014-01-01

Many Pennsylvania colleges and universities require that teacher candidates pass a standardized assessment in order to gain formal entry in to their education programs. Standardized tests are also required for Level I teacher certification within Pennsylvania. The initial assessment required of all Pennsylvania preservice teachers for…

Special Education Solutions in the Age of NCLB

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harvey, Cathryn

2004-01-01

The No Child Left Behind Act specifies schools' responsibilities for including special education students in their overall assessment programs. These students must be assessed under a standardized test that is used for all students within a district--a test that is designed to show whether a student is meeting that state's standards for learning.…

Towards Standardizing the Alcoholism Evaluation Of Potential Liver Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Beresford, Thomas P; Lucey, Michael R

2018-03-01

For teams around the world, alcoholic liver disease patients comprise the largest, and clinically most controversial, group applying for liver transplant. And yet evaluation decisions for them remain highly variable by locale. Targeting standardized assessment, we provide guidelines on what information the transplant team should seek, from what sources, and how best to make use of it. This report focuses on 'what to do and how to do it' in providing appropriate assessments for this complex patient group. Proper evaluation includes (a) taking the clinical history from the patient and a required, corroborating third person, (b) assessing patient cognition, (c) establishing alcohol/substance use diagnosis to differentiate alcohol dependence, abuse and polysubstance dependence, (d) assessing ambivalence in primary alcohol addiction, (e) measuring social stability and (f) using Vaillant's factors for abstinence prognosis. Properly applied, these six factors will allow standardized selection in most cases taken across programs despite differences in resources, available expertise and decision practices. This report focuses on the essentials of the psychiatric/behavioral evaluation for 'alcoholic' persons referred for liver transplant. Attention to those essentials offers clinical standardization across transplant programs in different locales.

Classification of Instructional Programs: 2000 Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morgan, Robert L.; Hunt, E. Stephen

This third revision of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) updates and modifies education program classifications, providing a taxonomic scheme that supports the accurate tracking, assessment, and reporting of field of study and program completions activity. This edition has also been adopted as the standard field of study taxonomy…

National standards for the long-term care ombudsman program and a tool to assess compliance: the Huber Badrak Borders Scales.

PubMed

Huber, R; Borders, K W; Badrak, K; Netting, F E; Nelson, H W

2001-04-01

We propose national standards previously recommended for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by an Institute of Medicine program evaluation committee, and introduce a tool to measure the compliance of local ombudsman programs to those standards: the Huber Badrak Borders Scales. The best practices for ombudsman programs detailed in the committee's report were adapted to 43 Likert-type scales that were then averaged into 10 infrastructure component scales: (a) program structure, (b) qualifications of local ombudsmen, (c) legal authority, (d) financial resources, (e) management information systems, (f) legal resources, (g) human resources, (h) resident advocacy services, (i) systemic advocacy, and (j) educational services. The scales were pilot-tested in 1996 and 1999 with Kentucky ombudsmen. The means of 9 of these 10 scales were higher in 1999 than in 1996, suggesting that local ombudsman programs were more in compliance with the proposed standards in 1999 than three years earlier. The development process consisted of 10 adopt-test-revise-retest steps that can be replicated by other types of programs to develop program compliance tools.

Using Simulation in a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Doctoral Program.

PubMed

Calohan, Jess; Pauli, Eric; Combs, Teresa; Creel, Andrea; Convoy, Sean; Owen, Regina

The use and effectiveness of simulation with standardized patients in undergraduate and graduate nursing education programs is well documented. Simulation has been primarily used to develop health assessment skills. Evidence supports using simulation and standardized patients in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) programs is useful in developing psychosocial assessment skills. These interactions provide individualized and instantaneous clinical feedback to the student from faculty, peers, and standardized patients. Incorporating simulation into advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing curriculum allows students to develop the necessary requisite skills and principles needed to safely and effectively provide care to patients. There are no documented standardized processes for using simulation throughout a doctor of nursing practice PMHNP curriculum. The purpose of this article is to describe a framework for using simulation with standardized patients in a PMHNP curriculum. Students report high levels of satisfaction with the simulation experience and believe that they are more prepared for clinical rotations. Faculty feedback indicates that simulated clinical scenarios are a method to ensure that each student experiences demonstrate a minimum standard of competency ahead of clinical rotations with live patients. Initial preceptor feedback indicates that students are more prepared for clinical practice and function more independently than students that did not experience this standardized clinical simulation framework. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A Prospective Policy Evaluation of the Michigan Merit Award Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bishop, John H.

In 1999 Michigan implemented the Michigan Merit Award program, a program to motivate high school students to take their studies more seriously. The program offers 1-year college scholarships to students who meet or exceed state standards on Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. This…

Relationship between internal medicine program board examination pass rates, accreditation standards, and program size.

PubMed

Falcone, John L; Gonzalo, Jed D

2014-01-19

To determine Internal Medicine residency program compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 80% pass-rate standard and the correlation between residency program size and performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination. Using a cross-sectional study design from 2010-2012 American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination data of all Internal Medicine residency pro-grams, comparisons were made between program pass rates to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standard. To assess the correlation between program size and performance, a Spearman's rho was calculated. To evaluate program size and its relationship to the pass-rate standard, receiver operative characteristic curves were calculated. Of 372 Internal Medicine residency programs, 276 programs (74%) achieved a pass rate of =80%, surpassing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education minimum standard. A weak correlation was found between residency program size and pass rate for the three-year period (p=0.19, p<0.001). The area underneath the receiver operative characteristic curve was 0.69 (95% Confidence Interval [0.63-0.75]), suggesting programs with less than 12 examinees/year are less likely to meet the minimum Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standard (sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 60.4%, positive predictive value 82.2%, p<0.001). Although a majority of Internal Medicine residency programs complied with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education pass-rate standards, a quarter of the programs failed to meet this requirement. Program size is positively but weakly associated with American Board of Internal Medicine Certifying Examination performance, suggesting other unidentified variables significantly contribute to program performance.

Program Standards for the Initial Preparation of Social Studies Teachers. National Standards for Social Studies Teachers. Volume II. 2004 Revision

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Council for the Social Studies, 2004

2004-01-01

This document is intended to be used: (1) By institutions that prepare teachers to assess the quality of their teacher preparation programs for licensure (or certification) in comprehensive social studies and/or the individual disciplines of history, geography, civics and government, economics, and psychology; and (2) By National Council for the…

Evaluation of the University of Dammam's Compliance with NCAAA Standards of Field Experience and Its Impact on Satisfaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AlThukair, Danah Khalid

2014-01-01

This paper reviews two training and internship programs of the College of Applied Medical Science in Saudi Arabia against the standards of the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) to see how well the programs come in their quest for accreditation. Disclosures by students, interns, alumni, coordinators, and…

Curricular Innovation in an Undergraduate Medical Program: What Is "Appropriate" Assessment?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruhe, Valerie; Boudreau, J. Donald

2011-01-01

In post-secondary education, there is a widely-held belief in a "gold standard" for evaluative studies of curricular innovations. In this context, "appropriate" assessment is understood to refer to experimental designs and statistically significant differences in group outcomes. Yet in our evaluative study of a medical undergraduate program, we…

12 CFR Appendix B to Part 364 - Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Relationships Risk Management Principles,” Nov. 1, 2001; FDIC FIL 68-99, Risk Assessment Tools and Practices for... Customer Information A. Information Security Program B. Objectives III. Development and Implementation of Customer Information Security Program A. Involve the Board of Directors B. Assess Risk C. Manage and...

Scripted or Non-Scripted: A Comparative Analysis of Two Reading Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bosen, Pamela K.

2014-01-01

The focus of this quantitative comparative study was to analyze school achievement on third-grade reading assessments in 60 similar schools over a three-year period on Washington state standardized criterion-referenced assessments. This study provides statistical data showing the non-scripted programs were consistent for all three years while…

Randomized Control Trial of a CBT Trauma Recovery Program in Palestinian Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barron, Ian G.; Abdallah, Ghassan; Smith, Patrick

2013-01-01

The current study aimed to assess the Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) trauma recovery program within the context of ongoing violence. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial, 11-14-year-old students in Nablus, Palestine, were allocated by class to intervention or wait-list control conditions. Standardized measures assessed trauma exposure,…

Value-Added Models for Teacher Preparation Programs: Validity and Reliability Threats, and a Manageable Alternative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brady, Michael P.; Heiser, Lawrence A.; McCormick, Jazarae K.; Forgan, James

2016-01-01

High-stakes standardized student assessments are increasingly used in value-added evaluation models to connect teacher performance to P-12 student learning. These assessments are also being used to evaluate teacher preparation programs, despite validity and reliability threats. A more rational model linking student performance to candidates who…

Assessing Education Program Learning Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bahous, Rima; Nabhani, Mona

2011-01-01

Teacher education programs help teachers gain knowledge and skills, develop "new" attitudes, and impact their beliefs about teaching, thereby favorably affecting teaching outcomes. In the absence of national standards and formal studies in Lebanon of existing teacher preparation programs, findings of this study could greatly contribute…

Interim Joint Technical Assessment Report: Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Model Years 2017-2025

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA and the NHTSA collaborated with CARB on this joint Technical Assessment Report to build on the success of the first phase of the National Program to regulate fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from U.S. light-duty vehicles.

Data Availability in Appliance Standards and Labeling Program Development and Evaluation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romankiewicz, John; Khanna, Nina; Vine, Edward

2013-05-01

In this report, we describe the necessary data inputs for both standards development and program evaluation and perform an initial assessment of the availability and uncertainty of those data inputs in China. For standards development, we find that China and its standards and labeling program administrators currently has access to the basic market and technical data needed for conducting market and technology assessment and technological and economic analyses. Some data, such as shipments data, is readily available from the China Energy Label product registration database while the availability of other data, including average unit energy consumption, prices and design options,more » needs improvement. Unlike some other countries such as the United States, most of the necessary data for conducting standards development analyses are not publicly available or compiled in a consolidated data source. In addition, improved data on design and efficiency options as well as cost data (e.g., manufacturing costs, mark-ups, production and product use-phase costs) – key inputs to several technoeconomic analyses – are particularly in need given China’s unconsolidated manufacturing industry. For program evaluation, we find that while China can conduct simple savings evaluations on its incentive programs with the data it currently has available from the Ministry of Finance – the program administrator, the savings estimates produced by such an evaluation will carry high uncertainty. As such, China could benefit from an increase in surveying and metering in the next one to three years to decrease the uncertainty surrounding key data points such as unit energy savings and free ridership.« less

Connected vehicle Data Capture and Management (DCM) and dynamic mobility applications (DMA) : assessment of relevant standards and gaps for candidate applications.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-10-01

The Connected Vehicle Mobility Standards Coordination Plan project links activities in three programs (Data Capture and Management, Dynamic Mobility Applications, and ITS Standards). The plan coordinates the timing, intent and relationship of activit...

Computing tools for implementing standards for single-case designs.

PubMed

Chen, Li-Ting; Peng, Chao-Ying Joanne; Chen, Ming-E

2015-11-01

In the single-case design (SCD) literature, five sets of standards have been formulated and distinguished: design standards, assessment standards, analysis standards, reporting standards, and research synthesis standards. This article reviews computing tools that can assist researchers and practitioners in meeting the analysis standards recommended by the What Works Clearinghouse: Procedures and Standards Handbook-the WWC standards. These tools consist of specialized web-based calculators or downloadable software for SCD data, and algorithms or programs written in Excel, SAS procedures, SPSS commands/Macros, or the R programming language. We aligned these tools with the WWC standards and evaluated them for accuracy and treatment of missing data, using two published data sets. All tools were tested to be accurate. When missing data were present, most tools either gave an error message or conducted analysis based on the available data. Only one program used a single imputation method. This article concludes with suggestions for an inclusive computing tool or environment, additional research on the treatment of missing data, and reasonable and flexible interpretations of the WWC standards. © The Author(s) 2015.

Use of telemedicine in the remote programming of cochlear implants.

PubMed

Ramos, Angel; Rodriguez, Carina; Martinez-Beneyto, Paz; Perez, Daniel; Gault, Alexandre; Falcon, Juan Carlos; Boyle, Patrick

2009-05-01

Remote cochlear implant (CI) programming is a viable, safe, user-friendly and cost-effective procedure, equivalent to standard programming in terms of efficacy and user's perception, which can complement the standard procedures. The potential benefits of this technique are outlined. We assessed the technical viability, risks and difficulties of remote CI programming; and evaluated the benefits for the user comparing the standard on-site CI programming versus the remote CI programming. The Remote Programming System (RPS) basically consists of completing the habitual programming protocol in a regular CI centre, assisted by local staff, although guided by a remote expert, who programs the CI device using a remote programming station that takes control of the local station through the Internet. A randomized prospective study has been designed with the appropriate controls comparing RPS to the standard on-site CI programming. Study subjects were implanted adults with a HiRes 90K(R) CI with post-lingual onset of profound deafness and 4-12 weeks of device use. Subjects underwent two daily CI programming sessions either remote or standard, on 4 programming days separated by 3 month intervals. A total of 12 remote and 12 standard sessions were completed. To compare both CI programming modes we analysed: program parameters, subjects' auditory progress, subjects' perceptions of the CI programming sessions, and technical aspects, risks and difficulties of remote CI programming. Control of the local station from the remote station was carried out successfully and remote programming sessions were achieved completely and without incidents. Remote and standard program parameters were compared and no significant differences were found between the groups. The performance evaluated in subjects who had been using either standard or remote programs for 3 months showed no significant difference. Subjects were satisfied with both the remote and standard sessions. Safety was proven by checking emergency stops in different conditions. A very small delay was noticed that did not affect the ease of the fitting. The oral and video communication between the local and the remote equipment was established without difficulties and was of high quality.

7 CFR 37.9 - Access to establishments or records; record retention.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARD CONTAINER REGULATIONS PROGRAM TO ASSESS ORGANIC CERTIFYING AGENCIES § 37.9 Access to... processes associated with an approved certification program. Records and documents shall be retained for at...

38 CFR 1.15 - Standards for program evaluation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... program operates. (3) Validity. The degree of statistical validity should be assessed within the research... decisions. (4) Reliability. Use of the same research design by others should yield the same findings. (g...

A novel Python program for implementation of quality control in the ELISA.

PubMed

Wetzel, Hanna N; Cohen, Cinder; Norman, Andrew B; Webster, Rose P

2017-09-01

The use of semi-quantitative assays such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) requires stringent quality control of the data. However, such quality control is often lacking in academic settings due to unavailability of software and knowledge. Therefore, our aim was to develop methods to easily implement Levey-Jennings quality control methods. For this purpose, we created a program written in Python (a programming language with an open-source license) and tested it using a training set of ELISA standard curves quantifying the Fab fragment of an anti-cocaine monoclonal antibody in mouse blood. A colorimetric ELISA was developed using a goat anti-human anti-Fab capture method. Mouse blood samples spiked with the Fab fragment were tested against a standard curve of known concentrations of Fab fragment in buffer over a period of 133days stored at 4°C to assess stability of the Fab fragment and to generate a test dataset to assess the program. All standard curves were analyzed using our program to batch process the data and to generate Levey-Jennings control charts and statistics regarding the datasets. The program was able to identify values outside of two standard deviations, and this identification of outliers was consistent with the results of a two-way ANOVA. This program is freely available, which will help laboratories implement quality control methods, thus improving reproducibility within and between labs. We report here successful testing of the program with our training set and development of a method for quantification of the Fab fragment in mouse blood. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A National Focus: An Assessment of the Habits of African American Males from Urban Households of Poverty Who Successfully Complete Secondary Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parson, Gail C.; Kritsonis, William Allan

2006-01-01

The purpose of this article is to assess six habits of academic achievement by African American male students from households of poverty whom been successful in completing a 5-A high school program of study. Despite the wealth of research that indicates a great disparity among racial and gender groups with regard to standardized assessment,…

Assessing Coverage of Population-Based and Targeted Fortification Programs with the Use of the Fortification Assessment Coverage Toolkit (FACT): Background, Toolkit Development, and Supplement Overview.

PubMed

Friesen, Valerie M; Aaron, Grant J; Myatt, Mark; Neufeld, Lynnette M

2017-05-01

Food fortification is a widely used approach to increase micronutrient intake in the diet. High coverage is essential for achieving impact. Data on coverage is limited in many countries, and tools to assess coverage of fortification programs have not been standardized. In 2013, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition developed the Fortification Assessment Coverage Toolkit (FACT) to carry out coverage assessments in both population-based (i.e., staple foods and/or condiments) and targeted (e.g., infant and young child) fortification programs. The toolkit was designed to generate evidence on program coverage and the use of fortified foods to provide timely and programmatically relevant information for decision making. This supplement presents results from FACT surveys that assessed the coverage of population-based and targeted food fortification programs across 14 countries. It then discusses the policy and program implications of the findings for the potential for impact and program improvement.

Health and safety needs in early care and education programs: what do directors, child health records, and national standards tell us?

PubMed

Alkon, Abbey; To, Kim; Mackie, Joanna F; Wolff, Mimi; Bernzweig, Jane

2010-01-01

To identify the overlapping and unique health and safety needs and concerns identified by early care and education (ECE) directors, health records, and observed compliance with national health and safety (NHS) standards. Cross-sectional study. 127 ECE programs from 5 California counties participated in the study, including 118 directors and 2,498 children's health records. Qualitative data were collected using standardized ECE directors' interviews to identify their health and safety concerns; and objective, quantitative data were collected using child health record reviews to assess regular health care, immunizations, health insurance, special health care needs, and screening tests and an observation Checklist of 66 key NHS standards collected by research assistants. The overlapping health and safety needs and concerns identified by the directors and through observations were hygiene and handwashing, sanitation and disinfection, supervision, and the safety of indoor and outdoor equipment. Some of the health and safety needs identified by only one assessment method were health and safety staff training, medical plans for children with special health care needs and follow-up on positive screening tests. Comprehensive, multimethod assessments are useful to identify health and safety needs and develop public health nursing interventions for ECE programs.

An assessment of the Space Station Freedom program's leakage current requirement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagy, Michael

1991-01-01

The Space Station Freedom Program requires leakage currents to be limited to less than human perception level, which NASA presently defines as 5 mA for dc. The origin of this value is traced, and the literature for other dc perception threshold standards is surveyed. It is shown that while many varying standards exist, very little experimental data is available to support them.

Programmatic assessment of a university-based implant training program using patient-reported outcomes.

PubMed

Al-Sabbagh, Mohanad; Jenkins, Diane W; de Leeuw, Reny; Nihill, Patricia; Robinson, Fonda G; Thomas, Mark V

2014-11-01

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) established an implant training program that provides training in the use of a single implant system, evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols (standardized work practices), and a total quality management system (Implant Quality Assurance Program). The aim of this study was to assess the programmatic effectiveness of the UKCD implant training program by reporting the success and survival of implants placed, using patient-reported outcomes and comparing them to previously established benchmarks. A total of 415 patients (963 implants) were interviewed, approximately 50 percent of all qualified patients. The implant survival rate was 97 percent, and 88 percent of the implants were considered successful (as determined by patient-centric criteria). These outcomes were consistent with the program's previously established benchmarks of 90 percent. These results suggest that work standardization (in the form of specific treatment protocols) and the use of a formal, incremental learning system can result in positive patient outcomes. Clinical outcomes should be monitored in academic dental settings as part of clinical process improvement, and these outcomes can provide a means of assessing the effectiveness of the training program.

On-Line Support and Portfolio Assessment for NETS-T Standards In Pre-Service Programs at a Large Southeastern University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shoffner, Mary B.; Dias, Laurie B.

This paper details the theoretical underpinnings of one university's approach to technology integration in its pre-service teacher preparation programs, and the results of a continuous, feedback-driven project to evaluate for technology integration through a student portfolio development process. Portfolios are assessed for multiple education and…

Year One Implications of a Teacher Performance Assessment's Impact on Multicultural Education across a Secondary Education Teacher Preparation Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Laura B.; Milman, Natalie B.

2013-01-01

This case study examines the impact of the 1-year implementation of a state-mandated, standardized teacher performance assessment (TPA) on a faculty's infusion of multicultural education across a secondary education teacher preparation program. Findings show that faculty and teacher candidate (TC) perceptions predominantly concluded that the TPA…

Calibration Study of POWER Performance Levels to the CASAS Scale. Research Brief No. 5

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Posey, Virginia

2005-01-01

The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, as part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, requires programs to use standardized assessments to report learning gains for students in adult education programs. In addition, local and state agencies need an accountability tool for students who are difficult to assess adequately with a…

College Readiness Standards[TM] for EXPLORE[R], PLAN[R], and the ACT[R]: Includes Ideas for Progress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

ACT, Inc., 2008

2008-01-01

At the foundation of the Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) programs are ACT's College Readiness Standards. The Standards offer learning strategies that are likely to help students meet state standards and acquire the more advanced concepts associated with higher EPAS test scores and, more importantly, increased college readiness.…

Design Document for 12th Grade NAEP Preparedness Research Judgmental Standard Setting Studies: Setting Standards on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in Reading and Mathematics for 12th Grade Preparedness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Assessment Governing Board, 2010

2010-01-01

The National Assessment Governing Board adopted a Program of Preparedness Research in March 2009. Several categories of research studies were recommended to produce results for reporting 12th grade preparedness for the 2009 grade 12 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in reading and mathematics. The categories included content…

Family Advocacy Program Standards and Self-Assessment Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

child abuse and neglect and spouse abuse. The standards are based upon a complete review of relevant criteria, accepted professional practices and current military FAP practices. Standards are... Child Abuse and Neglect Cases; Intervention and Treatment in Spouse Abuse Cases; Case Accountability in FAP Cases; Staffing for FAP Services;

Final test report for traffic management data dictionary (TMDD) and related standards as deployed by the Utah department of transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-05-23

This report presents the results of the ITS Standards Testing Program for the field testing, assessment, and evaluation of the three volumes comprising the Standards for Traffic Management Center to Center Communications (TMDD) version 2.1 and the NT...

Maintenance quality assurance peer exchange 2.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

This report documents a comprehensive study of twenty three maintenance quality assurance : (MQA) programs throughout the United States and Canada. The policies and standards of : each program were synthesized to create a general assessment on the co...

7 CFR 205.640 - Fees and other charges for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED... Marketing Service, through its Quality Systems Certification Program, to certification bodies requesting conformity assessment to the International Organization for Standardization “General Requirements for Bodies...

A Causal-Comparative Study of Third Grade Reading Achievement and the Use of Commercial Reading Programs to Promote Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Wendy E.

2013-01-01

This quantitative, causal-comparative study examined the reading achievement of third grade students to ascertain the reading health of elementary students as measured through South Carolina's standardized assessment, the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS). The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference…

State trends in ecological risk assessment and standard setting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siegel, M R; Fowler, K M; Bilyard, G R

1993-02-01

The purposes of this paper are (1) to identify key states' activities and plans related to setting cleanup standards using the ecological risk assessment process, and (2) to discuss the impacts these actions may have on the US Department of Energy's (DOE's) environmental restoration program. This report is prepared as part of a larger task, the purpose of which is to identify and assess state regulatory trends and legal developments that may impact DOE's environmental restoration program. Results of this task are intended to provide DOE with advance notice of potentially significant regulatory developments so as to enhance DOE's abilitymore » to influence these developments and to incorporate possible regulatory and policy changes into its planning process.« less

The effects of professional development related to classroom assessment on student achievement in science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzie, Dawn Danielle

This study investigated the relationship between students' standardized test scores in science and (a) increases in teacher assessment literacy and (b) teacher participation in a Teacher Quality Research (TQR) project on classroom assessment. The samples for these studies were teachers from underperforming schools who volunteered to take part in a professional development program in classroom assessment. School groups were randomly assigned to the treatment group. For Study 1, teachers in the treatment received professional development in classroom assessment from a trained assessment coach. Teachers in the control received no professional development. For Study 2, teachers in Treatment 1 received professional development in classroom assessment from a trained assessment coach and teachers in Treatment 2 received professional development in classroom assessment from a facilitator with one day of training. Teachers in both groups completed a measure of assessment literacy, the Teacher Quality Research Test of Assessment Literacy Skills (TQR_TALS), prior to the beginning and then again at the conclusion of the four month professional development program. A hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between students' standardized test scores in science and (a) increases in teacher assessment literacy and (b) teacher TQR status. Based upon these analyses, the professional development program increased teachers' assessment literacy skills; however, the professional development had no significant impact on students' achievement.

A School-Based Brand Marketing Program's Adherence to Federal Nutrition Criteria.

PubMed

Moran, Alyssa J; Rimm, Eric B; Taveras, Elsie M

2017-11-01

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to regulate school wellness policies, which include nutritional standards for foods advertised in schools. Brand marketing programs, which encourage students to purchase a company's products in exchange for money or rewards, were not explicitly prohibited. This study assesses the nutritional quality of products participating in "Box Tops for Education" ("Box Tops"), one of the largest national brand marketing programs in schools. Participating foods and beverages were obtained from the Box Tops product list and matched to nutrient information and ingredients from manufacturer websites in 2016 (N=949). Products were categorized as beverages (n=13); entrees (n=171); snacks (n=677); or fruits and vegetables exempt from the Smart Snacks in School Standards ("Smart Snacks" standards) (n=88) to assess the percentage that met the Smart Snacks standards. Of the foods participating in the Box Tops program, 69% of beverages, 26% of entrees, and 23% of snacks met the Smart Snacks standards. Most foods met the standards for trans fats (98%); calories (90%); and sugar (89%); but fewer met the requirements for sodium (60%). Noncompliant snacks contained more than twice the recommended sodium (mean=420 mg, SD=191 mg) and percent calories from saturated fat (mean=22%, SD=13%). Fewer than one third of Box Tops foods met the Smart Snacks standards. Schools should consider whether the benefit of participation outweighs the harm of exposing kids to unhealthful marketing. Alternatively, schools could opt not to participate unless companies limit redeemable products to household items or healthful options meeting the Smart Snacks standards. Copyright © 2017 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Survey and analysis of the current state of residency training in medical-school-affiliated hospitals in China

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Since the global standards for postgraduate medical education (PGME) were published in January 2003, they have gained worldwide attention. The current state of residency training programs in medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China was assessed in this study. Methods Based on the internationally recognized global standards for PGME, residents undergoing residency training at that time and the relevant residency training instructors and management personnel from 15 medical-school-affiliated hospitals throughout China were recruited and surveyed regarding the current state of residency training programs. A total of 938 questionnaire surveys were distributed between June 30, 2006 and July 30, 2006; of 892 surveys collected, 841 were valid. Results For six items, the total proportions of “basically meets standards” and “completely meets standards” were <70% for the basic standards. These items were identified in the fields of “training settings and educational resources”, “evaluation of training process”, and “trainees”. In all fields other than “continuous updates”, the average scores of the western regions were significantly lower than those of the eastern regions for both the basic and target standards. Specifically, the average scores for the basic standards on as many as 25 of the 38 items in the nine fields were significantly lower in the western regions. There were significant differences in the basic standards scores on 13 of the 38 items among trainees, instructors, and managers. Conclusions The residency training programs have achieved satisfactory outcomes in the hospitals affiliated with various medical schools in China. However, overall, the programs remain inadequate in certain areas. For the governments, organizations, and institutions responsible for PGME, such global standards for PGME are a very useful self-assessment tool and can help identify problems, promote reform, and ultimately standardize PGME. PMID:24885865

Using standardized fishery data to inform rehabilitation efforts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spurgeon, Jonathan J.; Stewart, Nathaniel T.; Pegg, Mark A.; Pope, Kevin L.; Porath, Mark T.

2016-01-01

Lakes and reservoirs progress through an aging process often accelerated by human activities, resulting in degradation or loss of ecosystem services. Resource managers thus attempt to slow or reverse the negative effects of aging using a myriad of rehabilitation strategies. Sustained monitoring programs to assess the efficacy of rehabilitation strategies are often limited; however, long-term standardized fishery surveys may be a valuable data source from which to begin evaluation. We present 3 case studies using standardized fishery survey data to assess rehabilitation efforts stemming from the Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Plan, a large-scale program with the mission to rehabilitate waterbodies within the state. The case studies highlight that biotic responses to rehabilitation efforts can be assessed, to an extent, using standardized fishery data; however, there were specific areas where minor increases in effort would clarify the effectiveness of rehabilitation techniques. Management of lakes and reservoirs can be streamlined by maximizing the utility of such datasets to work smarter, not harder. To facilitate such efforts, we stress collecting both biotic (e.g., fish lengths and weight) and abiotic (e.g., dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity) data during standardized fishery surveys and designing rehabilitation actions with an appropriate experimental design.

6 CFR 27.215 - Security vulnerability assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 6 Domestic Security 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Security vulnerability assessments. 27.215... FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Chemical Facility Security Program § 27.215 Security vulnerability...-risk, the facility must complete a Security Vulnerability Assessment. A Security Vulnerability...

2011 Annual Criticality Safety Program Performance Summary

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andrea Hoffman

The 2011 review of the INL Criticality Safety Program has determined that the program is robust and effective. The review was prepared for, and fulfills Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) item H.20, 'Annual Criticality Safety Program performance summary that includes the status of assessments, issues, corrective actions, infractions, requirements management, training, and programmatic support.' This performance summary addresses the status of these important elements of the INL Criticality Safety Program. Assessments - Assessments in 2011 were planned and scheduled. The scheduled assessments included a Criticality Safety Program Effectiveness Review, Criticality Control Area Inspections, a Protection of Controlled Unclassified Information Inspection,more » an Assessment of Criticality Safety SQA, and this management assessment of the Criticality Safety Program. All of the assessments were completed with the exception of the 'Effectiveness Review' for SSPSF, which was delayed due to emerging work. Although minor issues were identified in the assessments, no issues or combination of issues indicated that the INL Criticality Safety Program was ineffective. The identification of issues demonstrates the importance of an assessment program to the overall health and effectiveness of the INL Criticality Safety Program. Issues and Corrective Actions - There are relatively few criticality safety related issues in the Laboratory ICAMS system. Most were identified by Criticality Safety Program assessments. No issues indicate ineffectiveness in the INL Criticality Safety Program. All of the issues are being worked and there are no imminent criticality concerns. Infractions - There was one criticality safety related violation in 2011. On January 18, 2011, it was discovered that a fuel plate bundle in the Nuclear Materials Inspection and Storage (NMIS) facility exceeded the fissionable mass limit, resulting in a technical safety requirement (TSR) violation. The TSR limits fuel plate bundles to 1085 grams U-235, which is the maximum loading of an ATR fuel element. The overloaded fuel plate bundle contained 1097 grams U-235 and was assembled under an 1100 gram U-235 limit in 1982. In 2003, the limit was reduced to 1085 grams citing a new criticality safety evaluation for ATR fuel elements. The fuel plate bundle inventories were not checked for compliance prior to implementing the reduced limit. A subsequent review of the NMIS inventory did not identify further violations. Requirements Management - The INL Criticality Safety program is organized and well documented. The source requirements for the INL Criticality Safety Program are from 10 CFR 830.204, DOE Order 420.1B, Chapter III, 'Nuclear Criticality Safety,' ANSI/ANS 8-series Industry Standards, and DOE Standards. These source requirements are documented in LRD-18001, 'INL Criticality Safety Program Requirements Manual.' The majority of the criticality safety source requirements are contained in DOE Order 420.1B because it invokes all of the ANSI/ANS 8-Series Standards. DOE Order 420.1B also invokes several DOE Standards, including DOE-STD-3007, 'Guidelines for Preparing Criticality Safety Evaluations at Department of Energy Non-Reactor Nuclear Facilities.' DOE Order 420.1B contains requirements for DOE 'Heads of Field Elements' to approve the criticality safety program and specific elements of the program, namely, the qualification of criticality staff and the method for preparing criticality safety evaluations. This was accomplished by the approval of SAR-400, 'INL Standardized Nuclear Safety Basis Manual,' Chapter 6, 'Prevention of Inadvertent Criticality.' Chapter 6 of SAR-400 contains sufficient detail and/or reference to the specific DOE and contractor documents that adequately describe the INL Criticality Safety Program per the elements specified in DOE Order 420.1B. The Safety Evaluation Report for SAR-400 specifically recognizes that the approval of SAR-400 approves the INL Criticality Safety Program. No new source requirements were released in 2011. A revision to LRD-18001 is planned for 2012 to clarify design requirements for criticality alarms. Training - Criticality Safety Engineering has developed training and provides training for many employee positions, including fissionable material handlers, facility managers, criticality safety officers, firefighters, and criticality safety engineers. Criticality safety training at the INL is a program strength. A revision to the training module developed in 2010 to supplement MFC certified fissionable material handlers (operators) training was prepared and presented in August of 2011. This training, 'Applied Science of Criticality Safety,' builds upon existing training and gives operators a better understanding of how their criticality controls are derived. Improvements to 00INL189, 'INL Criticality Safety Principles' are planned for 2012 to strengthen fissionable material handler training.« less

50 CFR 86.122 - Who completes the Comprehensive National Assessment?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 50 Wildlife and Fisheries 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Who completes the Comprehensive National... INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT (BIG) PROGRAM Completing the Comprehensive National Assessment § 86.122 Who completes the Comprehensive National Assessment? The Service completes the Assessment. We will develop standards in...

Periodontal Management by Risk Assessment: A Pragmatic Approach.

PubMed

Mullins, Joanna M; Even, Joshua B; White, Joel M

2016-06-01

An evidence-based periodontal disease risk assessment and diagnosis system has been developed and combined with a clinical decision support and management program to improve treatment and measure patient outcomes. There is little agreement on a universally accepted periodontal risk assessment, periodontal diagnosis, and treatment management tool and their incorporation into dental practice to improve patient care. This article highlights the development and use of a practical periodontal management and risk assessment program that can be implemented in dental settings. The approach taken by Willamette Dental Group to develop a periodontal disease risk assessment, periodontal diagnosis, and treatment management tool is described using evidence-based best practices. With goals of standardized treatment interventions while maintaining personalized care and improved communication, this process is described to facilitate its incorporation into other dental settings. Current electronic health records can be leveraged to enhance patient-centered care through the use of risk assessments and standardized guidelines to more effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients to improve outcomes. Dental hygienists, and other committed providers, with their emphasis on prevention of periodontal disease can be principal drivers in creation and implementation of periodontal risk assessments and personalized treatment planning. Willamette Dental Group believes that such evidence-based tools can advance dentistry to new diagnostic and treatment standards. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Best Practices in Physics Program Assessment: Should APS Provide Accreditation Standards for Physics?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodapp, Theodore

The Phys21 report, ``Preparing Physics Students for 21st Century Careers,'' provides guidance for physics programs to improve their degree programs to make them more relevant for student career choices. Undertaking such changes and assessing impact varies widely by institution, with many departments inventing assessments with each periodic departmental or programmatic review. American Physical Society has embarked on a process to integrate information from Phys21, the results of other national studies, and educational research outcomes to generate a best-practices guide to help physics departments conduct program review, assessment, and improvement. It is anticipated that departments will be able to use this document to help with their role in university-level accreditation, and in making the case for improvements to departmental programs. Accreditation of physics programs could stem from such a document, and I will discuss some of the thinking of the APS Committee on Education in creating this guide, and how they are advising APS to move forward in the higher education landscape that is increasingly subject to standards-based evaluations. I will describe plans for the design, review, and dissemination of this guide, and how faculty can provide input into its development. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1540570. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the NSF.

Standards for Teaching about the Federal Reserve System: An Initiative by Two Federal Reserve Banks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bosshardt, William D.; Grimes, Paul W.; Suiter, Mary C.

2011-01-01

In the fall of 2008, the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and St. Louis began a systematic evaluation of their economic and personal finance educational outreach programs. Both banks were interested in developing tools to assess the success of their existing economic and financial education programs. However, before any assessment could begin, a…

A Standardized Certification Program for Case Managers Serving Frail Elderly Texans. Module II: Assessment and Care Plan Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lusky, Richard A.; And Others

This learning module is one of three training modules that were developed for members of the Texas Gerontological Consortium for Continuing Education to use in preparing case managers working in human service professions coordinating community-based programs for frail elderly Texans. Module II deals with the following topics: assessment (role of…

78 FR 17383 - Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-21

... standard Jet A aviation fuel in most aircraft could significantly reduce fuel transport distances and... Mobility Fuel Purchasing Programs AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy), DoD. ACTION... fuel purchase programs. DLA Energy currently operates two programs for mobility fuel contracts, Direct...

NASFAA Launches Its Standards of Excellence Review Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fairley, Vernetta P.

1999-01-01

The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has initiated a program in which practicing student aid professionals, on request, conduct a thorough review of a college or university's student aid operation, using comprehensive assessment materials and tools developed by NASFAA. The review examines program compliance,…

Evaluation Strategies in Financial Education: Evaluation with Imperfect Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Lauren; Dudensing, Rebekka; Granovsky, Nancy L.

2016-01-01

Program evaluation often suffers due to time constraints, imperfect instruments, incomplete data, and the need to report standardized metrics. This article about the evaluation process for the Wi$eUp financial education program showcases the difficulties inherent in evaluation and suggests best practices for assessing program effectiveness. We…

A Technique for the Assessment of Flight Operability Characteristics of Human Rated Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crocker, Alan

2010-01-01

In support of new human rated spacecraft development programs, the Mission Operations Directorate at NASA Johnson Space Center has implemented a formal method for the assessment of spacecraft operability. This "Spacecraft Flight Operability Assessment Scale" defines six key themes of flight operability, with guiding principles and goals stated for each factor. A standardized rating technique provides feedback that is useful to the operations, design and program management communities. Applicability of this concept across the program structure and life cycle is addressed. Examples of operationally desirable and undesirable spacecraft design characteristics are provided, as is a sample of the assessment scale product.

The Discrepancy Evaluation Model: A Systematic Approach for the Evaluation of Career Planning and Placement Programs.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buttram, Joan L.; Covert, Robert W.

The Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM), developed in 1966 by Malcolm Provus, provides information for program assessment and program improvement. Under the DEM, evaluation is defined as the comparison of an actual performance to a desired standard. The DEM embodies five stages of evaluation based upon a program's natural development: program…

34 CFR 685.301 - Origination of a loan by a Direct Loan Program school.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., religion, national origin, age, disability status, or income. (9) A school may not assess a fee for the... 34 Education 4 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Origination of a loan by a Direct Loan Program school... LOAN PROGRAM Requirements, Standards, and Payments for Direct Loan Program Schools § 685.301...

Primary calibrations of radionuclide solutions and sources for the EML quality assessment program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fisenne, I.M.

1993-12-31

The quality assurance procedures established for the operation of the U.S. Department of Energy`s Environmental Measurements Laboratory (DOE-EML`s) Quality Assessment Program (QAP) are essentially the same as those that are in effect for any EML program involving radiometric measurements. All these programs have at their core the use of radionuclide standards for their instrument calibration. This paper focuses on EML`s approach to the acquisition, calibration and application of a wide range of radionuclide sources that are required to meet its programmatic needs.

[Development and short-term effects of a standardized patient education program for in-patient cardiologic rehabilitation].

PubMed

Seekatz, B; Haug, G; Mosler, G; Schwaab, B; Altstidl, R; Worringen, U; Faller, H; Meng, K

2013-10-01

Patient education is an essential part in the treatment of coronary heart disease in medical rehabilitation. In the German-speaking area, no standardized and evaluated patient education program for coronary heart disease is available so far. In this paper, we demonstrate the development of a quality assured patient education program based on a health-education program of the German statutory pension insurance scheme. In a multi-level approach, an existing program was modified concerning treatment evidence, practical guidelines, theories of health and illness behavior and quality criteria for patient education as well as clinical experience and thereafter manualized. In a formative evaluation, feasibility and patient acceptance of this modified program were assessed using evaluation questionnaires of patients and trainers. Afterwards, effects of the patient education program as compared to a traditional education program were assessed on a short-term (at discharge), medium-term (6-month follow-up) and long-term (12-month follow-up) basis in a multicenter quasi-experimental control group study of patients with coronary heart disease (n=434). Results of the formative evaluation demonstrate an overall good acceptance and a good feasibility of the manualized program. Short-term results show a significant small treatment effect in the primary outcome variable patients' knowledge (p=0.001, η2 =0.028). Furthermore, small effects were also observed among some secondary outcomes, such as attitude towards medication, planning of physical activity, psychological quality of life and satisfaction with the education program. A standardized education program for patients with coronary heart disease has been developed in a systematic process based on established quality standards. Depending on the outstanding medium and long-term effects, the program may be recommended for general use in medical rehabilitation. The manual provides the prerequisites allowing for a successful transfer into clinical practice. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS HS). Student Guide

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arizona Department of Education, 2006

2006-01-01

Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards High School (AIMS HS) is an assessment program that measures high school students' achievement of the Arizona Academic Standards adopted by the state Board of Education in three subject areas: reading, writing, and mathematics. All students in high school are required to participate in AIMS HS testing.…

The Complete Picture: "Standards for Technological Literacy" and "Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Technology Teacher, 2003

2003-01-01

Provides an overview of the "Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology" (STL) and "Advancing Excellence in Technological Literacy: Student Assessment, Professional Development, and Program Standards" (AETL). Shows how the documents work together to advance the technological literacy of technology educators and K-12…

Evaluation of a peer assessment approach for enhancing the organizational capacity of state injury prevention programs.

PubMed

Hunter, Wanda M; Schmidt, Ellen R; Zakocs, Ronda

2005-01-01

To conduct a formative and pilot impact evaluation of the State Technical Assessment Team (STAT) program, a visitation-based (visitatie) peer assessment program designed to enhance the organizational capacity of state health department injury prevention programs. The formative evaluation was based on observational, record review, and key informant interview data collected during the implementation of the first 7 STAT visits. Pilot impact data were derived from semi-structured interviews with state injury prevention personnel one year after the visit. Formative evaluation identified 6 significant implementation problems in the first visits that were addressed by the program planners, resulting in improvements to the STAT assessment protocol. Impact evaluation revealed that after one year, the 7 state injury prevention programs had acted on 81% of the recommendations received during their STAT visits. All programs reported gains in visibility and credibility within the state health department and increased collaboration and cooperation with other units and agencies. Other significant program advancements were also reported. Specific program standards and review procedures are important to the success of peer assessment programs such as STAT. Early impact evaluation suggests that peer assessment protocols using the visitatie model can lead to gains in organizational capacity.

40 CFR 63.1002 - Compliance assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 10 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Compliance assessment. 63.1002 Section 63.1002 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR PROGRAMS (CONTINUED... Emission Standards for Equipment Leaks-Control Level 1 § 63.1002 Compliance assessment. (a) General...

Deriving Chesapeake Bay Water Quality Standards

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tango, Peter J.; Batiuk, Richard A.

2013-01-01

Achieving and maintaining the water quality conditions necessary to protect the aquatic living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries has required a foundation of quantifiable water quality criteria. Quantitative criteria serve as a critical basis for assessing the attainment of designated uses and measuring progress toward meeting water quality goals of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. In 1987, the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership committed to defining the water quality conditions necessary to protect aquatic living resources. Under section 303(c) of the Clean Water Act, States and authorized tribes have the primary responsibility for adopting water quality standards into law or regulation. The Chesapeake Bay Program partnership worked with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and publish a guidance framework of ambient water quality criteria with designated uses and assessment procedures for dissolved oxygen, water clarity, and chlorophyll a for Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries in 2003. This article reviews the derivation of the water quality criteria, criteria assessment protocols, designated use boundaries, and their refinements published in six addendum documents since 2003 and successfully adopted into each jurisdiction's water quality standards used in developing the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load.

Health and Safety Checklist for Early Care and Education Programs to Assess Key National Health and Safety Standards.

PubMed

Alkon, Abbey; Rose, Roberta; Wolff, Mimi; Kotch, Jonathan B; Aronson, Susan S

2016-01-01

The project aims were to (1) develop an observational Health and Safety Checklist to assess health and safety practices and conditions in early care and education (ECE) programs using Stepping Stones To Caring For Our Children, 3rd Edition national standards, (2) pilot test the Checklist, completed by nurse child care health consultants, to assess feasibility, ease of completion, objectivity, validity, and reliability, and (3) revise the Checklist based on the qualitative and quantitative results of the pilot study. The observable national health and safety standards were identified and then rated by health, safety, and child care experts using a Delphi technique to validate the standards as essential to prevent harm and promote health. Then, child care health consultants recruited ECE centers and pilot tested the 124-item Checklist. The pilot study was conducted in Arizona, California and North Carolina. The psychometric properties of the Checklist were assessed. The 37 participating ECE centers had 2627 children from ethnically-diverse backgrounds and primarily low-income families. The child care health consultants found the Checklist easy to complete, objective, and useful for planning health and safety interventions. The Checklist had content and face validity, inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity. Based on the child care health consultant feedback and psychometric properties of the Checklist, the Checklist was revised and re-written at an 8th grade literacy level. The Health and Safety Checklist provides a standardized instrument of observable, selected national standards to assess the quality of health and safety in ECE centers.

10 CFR 712.36 - Medical assessment process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Medical assessment process. 712.36 Section 712.36 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Medical Standards § 712.36 Medical assessment process. (a) The Designated Physician, under the supervision of the SOMD, is responsible for the medical assessment of HRP...

10 CFR 712.36 - Medical assessment process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Medical assessment process. 712.36 Section 712.36 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Medical Standards § 712.36 Medical assessment process. (a) The Designated Physician, under the supervision of the SOMD, is responsible for the medical assessment of HRP...

Practical Approaches to Outcomes Assessment: The Undergraduate Major in Foreign Languages and Literatures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liskin-Gasparro, Judith E.

1995-01-01

Discusses specific instruments and procedures that university-level foreign languages and literatures departments can use in outcomes-assessment of their undergraduate majors, including standardized tests, oral assessments, questionnaires, and portfolios. Case studies of outcomes-assessment programs in language departments at the University of…

Teaching Writing in the Shadow of Standardized Writing Assessment: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brimi, Hunter

2012-01-01

This exploratory study results from interviews with five high school English teachers regarding their writing instruction. The researcher sought to answer these questions: (1) How had the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program's (TCAP) Writing Assessment affected their teaching as gauged by the teachers' statements regarding the assessment,…

Efficacy of the Get Ready to Learn yoga program among children with autism spectrum disorders: a pretest-posttest control group design.

PubMed

Koenig, Kristie Patten; Buckley-Reen, Anne; Garg, Satvika

2012-01-01

Occupational therapists use school-based yoga programs, but these interventions typically lack manualization and evidence from well-designed studies. Using an experimental pretest-posttest control group design, we examined the effectiveness of the Get Ready to Learn (GRTL) classroom yoga program among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The intervention group received the manualized yoga program daily for 16 wk, and the control group engaged in their standard morning routine. We assessed challenging behaviors with standardized measures and behavior coding before and after intervention. We completed a between-groups analysis of variance to assess differences in gain scores on the dependent variables. Students in the GRTL program showed significant decreases (p < .05) in teacher ratings of maladaptive behavior, as measured with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, compared with the control participants. This study demonstrates that use of daily classroomwide yoga interventions has a significant impact on key classroom behaviors among children with ASD. Copyright © 2012 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Curriculum Based Functional Vocational Assessment Guide. Correlation of the Life Centered Career Education Curriculum with Specific Occupational Programs, Standards of Work Performance, and Campus Assessment Instruments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quinones, William A.

This document is a guide developed for the Dallas Independent School District's (DISD's) Multiple Careers Magnet Center, which provides special education students with training in standards of work performance and specific occupational skills for successful transition to community life and employment. The document also provides information for…

RMP Guidance for Warehouses - Chapter 7: Prevention Program (Program 3)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

If you are already complying with the OSHA Process Safety Management standard for on-site consequences, your process hazard analysis (PHA) team may have to assess new hazards that could affect the public or the environment offsite.

Privacy Impact Assessment for the Light-Duty In-Use Vehicle Testing Program Information System

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA's Light-Duty In-Use Vehicle Testing Program Information System contains car owner names, addresses, vehicle identification numbers, etc. The EPA uses this information to recruit and test vehicles for emissions standards compliance.

Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) Program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Traber, Kim; Salim, Munther; Sartor, Dale A.

2016-02-02

The main objective for the DCEP program is to raise the standards of those involved in energy assessments of data centers to accelerate energy savings. The program is driven by the fact that significant knowledge, training, and skills are required to perform accurate energy assessments. The program will raise the confidence level in energy assessments in data centers. For those who pass the exam, the program will recognize them as Data Center Energy Practitioners (DCEPs) by issuing a certificate. Hardware req.: PC, MAC; Software Req.: Windows; Related/Auxiliary software--MS Office; Type of files: executable modules, user guide; Documentation: e-user manual; Documentation:more » http://www.1.eere.energy.gov/industry/datacenters/ 12/10/15-New Documentation URL: https://datacenters.lbl.gov/dcep« less

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program: a survey of participating restaurant operators.

PubMed

Macaskill, Lesley A; Dwyer, John J M; Uetrecht, Connie L; Dombrow, Carol

2003-01-01

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program is a standard provincial health promotion program. Public health units grant an award of excellence to restaurants that meet designated standards in nutrition, food safety, and non-smoking seating. The purpose of this study was to assess whether program objectives for participating restaurant operators were achieved during the first year of program implementation, and to obtain operators' recommendations for improving the program. Dillman's tailored design method was used to design a mail survey and implement it among participating operators (n = 434). The design method, which consisted of four mail-outs, yielded a 74% response rate. Fifty percent of respondents operated family-style or quick-service restaurants, and 82% of respondents learned about the program from public health inspectors. Almost all respondents (98%) participated in the program mainly to have their establishments known as clean and healthy restaurants, 65% received and used either point-of-purchase table stands or postcards to promote the program, and 98% planned to continue participating. The respondents' suggestions for improving the program were related to the award ceremony and program materials, media promotion, communication, education, and program standards. Program staff can use the findings to enhance the program.

The standard calibration instrument automation system for the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Part 3: Program documentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryan, D. P.; Roth, G. S.

1982-04-01

Complete documentation of the 15 programs and 11 data files of the EPA Atomic Absorption Instrument Automation System is presented. The system incorporates the following major features: (1) multipoint calibration using first, second, or third degree regression or linear interpolation, (2) timely quality control assessments for spiked samples, duplicates, laboratory control standards, reagent blanks, and instrument check standards, (3) reagent blank subtraction, and (4) plotting of calibration curves and raw data peaks. The programs of this system are written in Data General Extended BASIC, Revision 4.3, as enhanced for multi-user, real-time data acquisition. They run in a Data General Nova 840 minicomputer under the operating system RDOS, Revision 6.2. There is a functional description, a symbol definitions table, a functional flowchart, a program listing, and a symbol cross reference table for each program. The structure of every data file is also detailed.

10 CFR 712.36 - Medical assessment process.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Medical assessment process. 712.36 Section 712.36 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Medical Standards § 712.36 Medical assessment process. (a) The... the SOMD must integrate the medical evaluations, psychological evaluations, psychiatric evaluations...

Advancing Resident Assessment in Graduate Medical Education

PubMed Central

Swing, Susan R.; Clyman, Stephen G.; Holmboe, Eric S.; Williams, Reed G.

2009-01-01

Background The Outcome Project requires high-quality assessment approaches to provide reliable and valid judgments of the attainment of competencies deemed important for physician practice. Intervention The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) convened the Advisory Committee on Educational Outcome Assessment in 2007–2008 to identify high-quality assessment methods. The assessments selected by this body would form a core set that could be used by all programs in a specialty to assess resident performance and enable initial steps toward establishing national specialty databases of program performance. The committee identified a small set of methods for provisional use and further evaluation. It also developed frameworks and processes to support the ongoing evaluation of methods and the longer-term enhancement of assessment in graduate medical education. Outcome The committee constructed a set of standards, a methodology for applying the standards, and grading rules for their review of assessment method quality. It developed a simple report card for displaying grades on each standard and an overall grade for each method reviewed. It also described an assessment system of factors that influence assessment quality. The committee proposed a coordinated, national-level infrastructure to support enhancements to assessment, including method development and assessor training. It recommended the establishment of a new assessment review group to continue its work of evaluating assessment methods. The committee delivered a report summarizing its activities and 5 related recommendations for implementation to the ACGME Board in September 2008. PMID:21975993

National Center for Standards and Certification Information: Service and programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Overman, Joanne

1994-01-01

The National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI) provides information on U.S., foreign and international voluntary standards, government regulations, and conformity assessment procedures for non-agricultural products. The Center serves as a referral service and focal point in the United States for information on standards and standards-related information. NCSCI staff respond to inquiries, maintain a reference collection of standards and standards-related documents, and serve as the U.S. inquiry point for information to and from foreign countries.

Opinions of practitioners and program directors concerning accreditation standards for postdoctoral pediatric dentistry training programs.

PubMed

Casamassimo, P S; Wilson, S

1999-01-01

This study was performed to assess opinions of program directors and practitioners about the importance and necessary numbers of experiences required by current accreditation standards for training of pediatric dentists. A 32-item questionnaire was sent to all program directors of ADA-accredited postdoctoral pediatric dentistry training programs and to a random sample of 10% of the fellow/active membership of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. An overall response rate of 56% was obtained from the single mailing. Practitioners and program directors differed significantly (P < or = 0.05) only in their opinions about the number of submucosal and intravenous sedation cases required for proficiency of eight experiences surveyed. The two groups differed significantly in 3 of 12 areas in terms of importance attributed for practice of contemporary pediatric dentistry: initiating and completing a research paper, biostatistics/epidemiology, and practice management. Program directors had little difficulty obtaining required experiences, and program dependence on Medicaid did not negatively affect quality of education. Practitioners and program directors agreed on the importance of most experiences and activities required by current accreditation standards.

Department of Energy Actions Necessary to Improve DOE’s Training Program

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-01

assessments, the Department has completed analyses and implemented training programs for the defense nuclear facilities technical workforce and...certification standards, such as those examined by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board in its reviews of Department operations, impose... nuclear facilities will have their technical skills assessed and will receive continuing training to maintain certain necessary skills. Page 17 GAO/RCED

Patient Satisfaction in Military Dental Treatment Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-03-07

assessing satisfaction. Dental Patient Satisfaction 58 References Abidi, H. (2003). Encyclopedia of Social Sciences Research Methods . Thousand Oaks (CA...Care System that gave me the opportunity to attend the Baylor Program and to complete the dual Masters in Business Administration program at The...Patient satisfaction is an integral component of the report cards and thus military dentistry had to develop a method of standardizing the assessment of

Overview of the forest health monitoring program

Treesearch

2000-01-01

This paper presents an overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHM), a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, State Foresters, universities, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management. The purpose of FHM is to annually assess the condition of the nation's forested ecosystems in a standardized way. There are four components of the program - Detection...

Overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program

Treesearch

2000-01-01

This paper presents an overview of the Forest Health Monitoring Program (FHM), a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, State Foresters, universities, and the USDI Bureau of Land Management. The purpose of FHM is to annually assess the condition of the Nation's forested ecosystems in a standardized way. There are four components of the program-Detection...

A Quality Instrument for Effective Honors Program Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Patricia Joanne

2015-01-01

Although the number of honors programs and colleges has grown dramatically over the last twenty years to over a thousand programs nationally, little has been done to develop consistency of standards in honors. In the interest of seeking consistency, the author designed a research study to provide initial insights into assessable measures that a…

Aviation and the environment : initial voluntary airport low emissions program projects reduce emissions, and FAA plans to assess the program's overall performance as participation increases.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-11-01

In 2003, Congress established a program to reduce airport ground emissions at commercial service airports in areas failing to meet or maintain air quality standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administers the Voluntary Airport Low Emis...

Evaluation of an Innovative Post-Arrest Diversion Program: 12-Month Recidivism Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dembo, Richard; Walters, Wansley; Wareham, Jennifer; Burgos, Catherimarty; Schmeidler, James; Hoge, Robert; Underwood, Lee

2008-01-01

We report the results of an evaluation study of a diversion program, operated by the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Assessment Center in Florida. The Post-Arrest Diversion (PAD) program represents an innovative approach to treatment and intervention within the juvenile justice system that utilizes standardized psychosocial risks and needs assessment…

BabeLO--An Extensible Converter of Programming Exercises Formats

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Queiros, R.; Leal, J. P.

2013-01-01

In the last two decades, there was a proliferation of programming exercise formats that hinders interoperability in automatic assessment. In the lack of a widely accepted standard, a pragmatic solution is to convert content among the existing formats. BabeLO is a programming exercise converter providing services to a network of heterogeneous…

Program Completion and Re-Arrest in a Batterer Intervention System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Larry W.; Stoops, Charles; Call, Christine; Flett, Heather

2007-01-01

Objective: The authors examine the effects of batterer intervention program (BIP) completion on domestic violence re-arrest in an urban system of 30 BIPs with a common set of state standards, common program completion criteria, and centralized criminal justice supervision. Method: 899 men arrested for domestic violence were assessed and completed…

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Mathematics-Focused, Instructional Technology Program for Grades 6-8: A 5-Year Trend Analysis of NASA CONNECT(tm) Evaluation Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glassman, Nanci A.; Perry, Jeannine B.; Giersch, Christopher E.; Lambert, Matthew A.; Pinelli, Thomas E.

2004-01-01

NASA CONNECT is a research-, inquiry, and standards-based, integrated mathematics, science, and technology series of 30-minute instructional distance learning (television and web-based) programs for students in grades 6 8. Respondents who evaluated the programs in the series over the first five seasons (1998-99 through 2002-03) reported that (1) they used the programs in the series; (2) the goals and objectives for the series were met; (3) the programs were aligned with the national mathematics, science, and technology standards; (4) the program content was developmentally appropriate for the grade level; and (5) the programs in the series enhanced and enriched the teaching of mathematics, science, and technology.

Wool, Jute and Flax Industry Training Board

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Industrial Training International, 1974

1974-01-01

Early achievement in the textile industry training program focused on operative training, followed by emphasis on management development. Recruitment efforts have been increased. As Assessment of Training scheme provides standards, assistance, and recognition for individual companies in maintaining adequate training programs. (MW)

15 CFR 285.3 - Referencing NVLAP accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... Standards and Technology and the federal government, who retain exclusive rights to control the use thereof... of announcing their accredited status, and for use on reports that describe only testing and...

15 CFR 285.3 - Referencing NVLAP accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... Standards and Technology and the federal government, who retain exclusive rights to control the use thereof... of announcing their accredited status, and for use on reports that describe only testing and...

15 CFR 285.3 - Referencing NVLAP accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... Standards and Technology and the federal government, who retain exclusive rights to control the use thereof... of announcing their accredited status, and for use on reports that describe only testing and...

15 CFR 285.3 - Referencing NVLAP accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... Standards and Technology and the federal government, who retain exclusive rights to control the use thereof... of announcing their accredited status, and for use on reports that describe only testing and...

15 CFR 285.3 - Referencing NVLAP accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... Standards and Technology and the federal government, who retain exclusive rights to control the use thereof... of announcing their accredited status, and for use on reports that describe only testing and...

English Education Program Assessment: Creating Standards and Guidelines to Advance English Teacher Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zancanella, Don; Alsup, Janet

2010-01-01

When someone uses the term "standards," one tends to assume the topic under discussion is K-12 education, but standards for teacher preparation have their own parallel history. In English teacher education, that history has two strands: the NCTE Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of English Language Arts, which predate the "standards…

Applying next-generation DNA sequencing technology to aquatic bioassessment

EPA Science Inventory

The growing challenges for environmental monitoring and assessment have pushed standard techniques to the limits of their application. Current biological monitoring programs often require considerable time and workload to provide environmental condition assessments. New molecular...

Reliable Assessment with CyberTutor, a Web-Based Homework Tutor.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pritchard, David E.; Morote, Elsa-Sofia

This paper demonstrates that an electronic tutoring program can collect data that enables a far more reliable assessment of students' skills than a standard examination. Socratic electronic homework tutor, CyberTutor can integrate effectively instruction and assessment. CyberTutor assessment has about 62 times less variance due to random test…

Assessing the Effectiveness of the International Counterproliferation Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

a box labeled “Ongoing needs assessment.” Within this box are the two key planning actions that contribute to this type of assessment: identification ...nation, all participating countries tend to receive a fairly standardized set of courses. This course lineup is determined largely by the ICP

Performance Assessment Links in Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Quellmalz, Edys; Schank, Patricia; Hinojosa, Thomas; Padilla, Christine

1999-01-01

Describes work in progress at SRI International in the Performance Assessment Links in Science (PALS) project, which is developing an online, standards-based, interactive resource bank of science performance assessments. Coupled with the development of the resource bank is a program of research on effective use of these resources. (SLD)

Intimate Partner Violence Programs in a Children's Hospital: Comprehensive Assessment Utilizing a Delphi Instrument.

PubMed

Randell, Kimberly A; Evans, Sarah E; O'Malley, Donna; Dowd, M Denise

2015-03-01

The purpose of this study was to conduct a baseline assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV) practices in a pediatric hospital system. The Delphi Instrument for Hospital-based Domestic Violence Programs was used to assess the structure and components of the hospital system's IPV practices. Through key stakeholder interviews, we also assessed IPV practices in individual patient care areas. Qualitative analysis of interview data used a grounded theory approach. The hospital scored 17 of 100 points on the Delphi instrument assessment. Key areas of weakness identified by the Delphi instrument and interviews included lack of coordinated provider training and evaluation of IPV-related processes and no standards for IPV screening, safety assessment, and documentation. Most interviewees supported addressing IPV; all identified barriers to IPV screening at individual provider and institutional levels. Institutional barriers included lack of a standardized response to IPV disclosure, need for individualized screening protocols for different patient care settings, lack of standardized provider training, concerns about overextending social work resources, and lack of resources for hospital staff experiencing vicarious trauma. Individual barriers included concern that screening may harm physician-patient-family relationships and the perception that physicians are unwilling to address psychosocial issues. The Delphi Instrument for Hospital-based Domestic Violence Programs identified weaknesses and key areas for improvement in IPV practices. Deficiencies revealed by the Delphi instrument were affirmed by individual interview results. Institutional and individual provider level barriers must be addressed to optimize IPV practices in a pediatric hospital system. Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

DOE research and development report. Progress report, October 1980-September 1981

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bingham, Carleton D.

The DOE New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) is the US Government's Nuclear Materials Standards and Measurement Laboratory. NBL is assigned the mission to provide and maintain, as an essential part of federal statutory responsibilities related to national and international safeguards of nuclear materials for USA defense and energy programs, an ongoing capability for: the development, preparation, certification, and distribution of reference materials for the calibration and standardization of nuclear materials measurements; the development, improvement, and evaluation of nuclear materials measurement technology; the assessment and evaluation of the practice and application of nuclear materials measurement technology; expert and reliable specialized nuclear materialsmore » measurement services for the government; and technology exchange and training in nuclear materials measurement and standards. Progress reports for this fiscal year are presented under the following sections: (1) development or evaluation of measurement technology (elemental assay of uranium plutonium; isotope composition); (2) standards and reference materials (NBL standards and reference materials; NBS reference materials); and (3) evaluation programs (safeguards analytical laboratory evaluation; general analytical evaluation program; other evaluation programs).« less

Recognition of music and melody in patients with cochlear implants, using a new programming approach for frequency assignment.

PubMed

Falcón-González, Juan C; Borkoski-Barreiro, Silvia; Limiñana-Cañal, José María; Ramos-Macías, Angel

2014-01-01

Music is a universal, cross-cultural phenomenon. Perception and enjoyment of music are still not solved with current technological objectives of cochlear implants. The objective of this article was to advance the development and validation of a method of programming of cochlear implants that implements a frequency allocation strategy. We compared standard programming vs frequency programming in every subject. We studied a total of 40 patients with cochlear implants. Each patient was programmed with a optimal version of the standard program, using the Custom Sound Suite 3.2 cochlear platform. Speech tests in quiet were performed using syllable word lists from the protocol for the assessment of hearing in the Spanish language. Patients implanted bilaterally were tested in both ears at the same time. For assessing music listening habits we used the Munich Music Questionnaire and «MACarena»(minimum auditory capability) software. All patients achieved better results in recognition, instrument tests and tonal scales with frequency programming (P<.005). Likewise, there were better results with frequency programming in recognising harmonics and pitch test (P<.005). Frequency programming achieves better perception and recognition results in patients in comparison with standard programming. Bilateral stimulation patients have better perception of musical patterns and better performance in recognition of tonal scales, harmonics and musical instruments compared with patients with unilateral stimulation. Modification and frequency allocation during programming allows decreased levels of current intensity and increase the dynamic range, which allows mapping of each audio band less obtrusively and improves the quality of representation of the signal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Patología Cérvico-Facial. All rights reserved.

77 FR 74678 - Chemical Security Assessment Tool (CSAT)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-17

...), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of Infrastructure Protection (IP.../IP/ISCD Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program Manager, 245 Murray Lane SW., Mail Stop... should be appropriately marked and submitted by mail to the DHS/NPPD/IP/ISCD Chemical Facility Anti...

15 CFR 285.8 - Proficiency testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Proficiency testing. 285.8 Section 285... OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM § 285.8 Proficiency testing. (a) NVLAP proficiency testing is...

15 CFR 285.8 - Proficiency testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Proficiency testing. 285.8 Section 285... OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM § 285.8 Proficiency testing. (a) NVLAP proficiency testing is...

15 CFR 285.8 - Proficiency testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Proficiency testing. 285.8 Section 285... OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM § 285.8 Proficiency testing. (a) NVLAP proficiency testing is...

10 CFR 712.30 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Applicability. 712.30 Section 712.30 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Medical Standards § 712.30 Applicability. This subpart establishes standards and procedures for conducting medical assessments of DOE and DOE contractor individuals in HRP...

42 CFR 442.30 - Agreement as evidence of certification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS STANDARDS FOR PAYMENT TO NURSING FACILITIES AND... to adhere to the following principles in determining compliance: (i) The survey process is the means to assess compliance with Federal health, safety and quality standards; (ii) The survey process uses...

A Progressive, Collaborative Process to Improve a Curriculum and Define an Assessment Program.

PubMed

Letassy, Nancy A; Medina, Melissa S; Britton, Mark L; Dennis, Vince; Draugalis, JoLaine R

2015-05-25

To revise the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy's professional program outcomes and create an assessment map using results from previous peer review and mapping of all professional courses and curricular streams of knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). After consolidating 15 original program outcomes into 11 more precise outcome statements, defining KSAs for each, and getting faculty approval of them, the committee detailed measurable program expectations upon graduation for each outcome and created an assessment map identifying where KSAs were taught, how they were to be assessed, and the expected ability level (novice, competent, proficient) for each across the curriculum. The committee's work identified deficits, inconsistencies, and disproportionalities in professional program assessment. It recommended assessments to capture student achievement of each outcome, identified performance levels and criteria to measure outcomes progressively in each professional year, and outlined a process to provide students periodic reports on their progress in achieving each outcome. This work establishes a firm foundation for ongoing efforts to measure effectiveness of the professional program, especially in light of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education's (ACPE) revised accreditation standards.

Hardware independence checkout software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cameron, Barry W.; Helbig, H. R.

1990-01-01

ACSI has developed a program utilizing CLIPS to assess compliance with various programming standards. Essentially the program parses C code to extract the names of all function calls. These are asserted as CLIPS facts which also include information about line numbers, source file names, and called functions. Rules have been devised to establish functions called that have not been defined in any of the source parsed. These are compared against lists of standards (represented as facts) using rules that check intersections and/or unions of these. By piping the output into other processes the source is appropriately commented by generating and executing parsed scripts.

Data-quality measures for stakeholder-implemented watershed-monitoring programs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greve, Adrienne I.

2002-01-01

Community-based watershed groups, many of which collect environmental data, have steadily increased in number over the last decade. The data generated by these programs are often underutilized due to uncertainty in the quality of data produced. The incorporation of data-quality measures into stakeholder monitoring programs lends statistical validity to data. Data-quality measures are divided into three steps: quality assurance, quality control, and quality assessment. The quality-assurance step attempts to control sources of error that cannot be directly quantified. This step is part of the design phase of a monitoring program and includes clearly defined, quantifiable objectives, sampling sites that meet the objectives, standardized protocols for sample collection, and standardized laboratory methods. Quality control (QC) is the collection of samples to assess the magnitude of error in a data set due to sampling, processing, transport, and analysis. In order to design a QC sampling program, a series of issues needs to be considered: (1) potential sources of error, (2) the type of QC samples, (3) inference space, (4) the number of QC samples, and (5) the distribution of the QC samples. Quality assessment is the process of evaluating quality-assurance measures and analyzing the QC data in order to interpret the environmental data. Quality assessment has two parts: one that is conducted on an ongoing basis as the monitoring program is running, and one that is conducted during the analysis of environmental data. The discussion of the data-quality measures is followed by an example of their application to a monitoring program in the Big Thompson River watershed of northern Colorado.

Assessment of Learning in Business Education: Standardized or Homegrown?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Djoundourian, Salpie S.

2017-01-01

The author gives an overview of typical learning outcomes in business education and assessment instruments that help measure and test these outcomes. Using data from a recently accredited program the author investigated the determinants of performance on assessment exams to help identify and evaluate differences between homegrown and standardized…

District, Union, and Community Collaboration: Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kelly, Dianne; Fearing, Erik

2017-01-01

While Massachusetts has received accolades for its high scores on the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests, absolute results from standardized tests tend to correlate strongly with family income and parental education. The Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education…

25 CFR 36.50 - Standard XVII-School program evaluation and needs assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... assessment. Each school shall complete a formal, formative evaluation at least once every seven (7) years... assessment. 36.50 Section 36.50 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION... other instructional materials. (12) Counseling services. (13) Medical and health services. (14) Student...

25 CFR 36.50 - Standard XVII-School program evaluation and needs assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... assessment. Each school shall complete a formal, formative evaluation at least once every seven (7) years... assessment. 36.50 Section 36.50 Indians BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EDUCATION... other instructional materials. (12) Counseling services. (13) Medical and health services. (14) Student...

The 2% Transition: Supporting Access to State Assessments for Students with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jamgochian, Elisa M.; Ketterlin-Geller, Leanne R.

2015-01-01

Most students with disabilities participate in state assessments with or without accommodations [based on each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)]. A small number of students with the most severe or profound intellectual disabilities participate in an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). Until…

DEVELOPMENT OF A FISH INDEX OF BIOTIC INTEGRITY FOR ASSESSING WADEABLE STREAMS IN WEST VIRGINIA

EPA Science Inventory

We used Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program (EMAP) data from the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Assessment (MAHA) to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for West Virginia (WV). Standard techniques were used to evaluate a candidate pool of 58 fish assemblage metrics. Resp...

Assessing Outcomes in Optometric Education: A Commentary by the Council on Optometric Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Optometric Education, 1998

1998-01-01

A statement of the Council for Optometric Education (COE) defines and characterizes educational outcomes, outcomes assessment, and outcomes data, and explains the reasons for outcomes assessment, its relationship to curricular design, and its function in accreditation of optometry programs. Stated COE standards and expectations of optometry…

Development of a Mechanism and Standards for the Assessment of Adult Basic Education Students as They Relate to Post-Secondary Vocational Education Programs. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grosskoph, Arlys; And Others

The purpose of this project was to develop a process that would reduce the attrition rate of adult basic education students entering occupational programs. To accomplish this goal, adult basic education students in occupational programs, adult basic education students who had dropped out of occupational programs, and their instructors were…

Implementation of Best Practices in Obesity Prevention in Child Care Facilities: The Arizona Empower Program, 2013–2015

PubMed Central

Papa, Jillian; Rodriguez, Gertrudes; Robinson, Deborah

2017-01-01

Introduction Obesity is a major health concern in every US age group. Approximately one in 4 children in Arizona’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is overweight or obese. The Arizona Department of Health Services developed the Empower program to promote healthy environments in licensed child care facilities. The program consists of 10 standards, including one standard for each of these 5 areas: physical activity and screen time, breastfeeding, fruit juice and water, family-style meals, and staff training. The objective of this evaluation was to determine the level of implementation of these 5 Empower standards. Methods A self-assessment survey was completed from July 2013 through June 2015 by 1,850 facilities to evaluate the level of implementation of 5 Empower standards. We calculated the percentage of facilities that reported the degree to which they implemented each standard and identified common themes in comments recorded in the survey. Results All facilities reported either full or partial implementation of the 5 standards. Of 1,678 facilities, 21.7% (n = 364) reported full implementation of all standards, and 78.3% (n = 1,314) reported at least partial implementation. Staff training, which has only one component, had the highest level of implementation: 77.4% (n = 1,299) reported full implementation. Only 44.0% (n = 738) reported full implementation of the standard on a breastfeeding-friendly environment. Conclusion Arizona child care facilities have begun to implement the Empower program, but facilities will need more education, technical assistance, and support in some areas to fully implement the program. PMID:28880840

Implementation of Best Practices in Obesity Prevention in Child Care Facilities: The Arizona Empower Program, 2013-2015.

PubMed

Papa, Jillian; Agostinelli, Joan; Rodriguez, Gertrudes; Robinson, Deborah

2017-09-07

Obesity is a major health concern in every US age group. Approximately one in 4 children in Arizona's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is overweight or obese. The Arizona Department of Health Services developed the Empower program to promote healthy environments in licensed child care facilities. The program consists of 10 standards, including one standard for each of these 5 areas: physical activity and screen time, breastfeeding, fruit juice and water, family-style meals, and staff training. The objective of this evaluation was to determine the level of implementation of these 5 Empower standards. A self-assessment survey was completed from July 2013 through June 2015 by 1,850 facilities to evaluate the level of implementation of 5 Empower standards. We calculated the percentage of facilities that reported the degree to which they implemented each standard and identified common themes in comments recorded in the survey. All facilities reported either full or partial implementation of the 5 standards. Of 1,678 facilities, 21.7% (n = 364) reported full implementation of all standards, and 78.3% (n = 1,314) reported at least partial implementation. Staff training, which has only one component, had the highest level of implementation: 77.4% (n = 1,299) reported full implementation. Only 44.0% (n = 738) reported full implementation of the standard on a breastfeeding-friendly environment. Arizona child care facilities have begun to implement the Empower program, but facilities will need more education, technical assistance, and support in some areas to fully implement the program.

12 CFR Appendix C to Part 1720 - Policy Guidance; Safety and Soundness Standards for Information

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Information Security Program 1. Involve the Board of Directors. 2. Assess Risk. 3. Manage and Control Risk. 4. Oversee Service Provider Arrangements. 5. Adjust the Program. 6. Report to the Board. 7. Implementation. A...—Development and Implementation of Information Security Program 1. Involve the Board of Directors. The board of...

An assessment of the usability of undergraduate healthcare management program websites.

PubMed

Roggenkamp, Susan D

2005-01-01

Prospective students in higher education programs increasingly use the Internet as a source of information to assist in the selection of both university and major programs of study. Therefore, having an informative and well designed website is now an integral component of a higher education program's marketing mix. This article attempts to inform undergraduate health administration programs about the elements of good website design, namely content that is important and relevant to users, site layout appeal, and ease of navigation. Content analyses of undergraduate health administration program websites in 2002 and 2005 assessed both the extent of content from a standard list of twenty-five information elements and usability features of the sites. Implications for improvements to program websites are discussed.

A Standards-Based Inventory for Assessing Perceived Importance of and Confidence in Using ASGW's Core Group Work Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, F. Robert; Newmeyer, Mark D.

2008-01-01

Since the early 1980s, ASGW (Association for Specialists in Group Work) has promulgated standards for training group workers. Now, in their third revision, these standards establish core group work knowledge and skills to be included in all counselor training programs. To advance research on the relationship between mastery of ASGW's core…

NSTA Pathways to the Science Standards: Guidelines for Moving the Vision into Practice. High School School Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texley, Juliana, Ed.; Wild, Ann, Ed.

This book is designed for high school teachers and contains tools to guide teaching, professional development, assessment, program and curriculum, and interactions with the education system working towards the vision of the National Science Education Standards. The first three and last two chapters discuss the Standards that apply to all K-12…

Evaluation of the Military Functional Assessment Program: Preliminary Assessment of the Construct Validity Using an Archived Database of Clinical Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

RTD standards poses common scientific challenges that generalize to several classes of trauma. The essential requirements of key military occupations...Execute prepared land navigation task Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 (EST) – Weapons Qualification Zero a weapon and complete standard ...Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Orders will be expedited if placed through the librarian or other person designated to request documents from DTIC

Common Pitfalls in Specialized Professional Association Reports

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

MacDonald, Lynn Couturier; Uhrich, Tabatha; Chepko, Stevie

2016-01-01

The most recent physical education teacher education (PETE) standards were published in 2009. Since that time, institutions seeking accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP, formerly NCATE) have based their programs' assessments and data collection on these standards. The authors of this article…

Learning Disability Programs in Large Universities. Research Report #18-87.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Paula A.; And Others

Thirteen large state universities offering comprehensive services to learning-disabled students responded to a questionnaire concerning general program characteristics, existing support services, accommodations to aid students in using those services, standardized assessment and diagnosis, and types of academic assistance. Results showed that most…

Development and Evaluation of a Training Program for Organ Procurement Coordinators Using Standardized Patient Methodology.

PubMed

Odabasi, Orhan; Elcin, Melih; Uzun Basusta, Bilge; Gulkaya Anik, Esin; Aki, Tuncay F; Bozoklar, Ata

2015-12-01

The low rate of consent by next of kin of donor-eligible patients is a major limiting factor in organ transplant. Educating health care professionals about their role may lead to measurable improvements in the process. Our aim was to describe the developmental steps of a communication skills training program for health care professionals using standardized patients and to evaluate the results. We developed a rubric and 5 cases for standardized family interviews. The 20 participants interviewed standardized families at the beginning and at the end of the training course, with interviews followed by debriefing sessions. Participants also provided feedback before and after the course. The performance of each participant was assessed by his or her peers using the rubric. We calculated the generalizability coefficient to measure the reliability of the rubric and used the Wilcoxon signed rank test to compare achievement among participants. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software (SPSS: An IBM Company, version 17.0, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). All participants received higher scores in their second interview, including novice participants who expressed great discomfort during their first interview. The participants rated the scenarios and the standardized patients as very representative of real-life situations, with feedback forms showing that the interviews, the video recording sessions, and the debriefing sessions contributed to their learning. Our program was designed to meet the current expectations and implications in the field of donor consent from next of kin. Results showed that our training program developed using standardized patient methodology was effective in obtaining the communication skills needed for family interviews during the consent process. The rubric developed during the study was a valid and reliable assessment tool that could be used in further educational activities. The participants showed significant improvements in communication skills.

Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs: a survey of educators and learners

PubMed Central

Tam, V.C.; Berry, S.; Hsu, T.; North, S.; Neville, A.; Chan, K.; Verma, S.

2014-01-01

Background The oncology education framework currently in use in Canadian medical training programs is unknown, and the needs of learners have not been fully assessed to determine whether they are adequately prepared to manage patients with cancer. Methods To assess the oncology education framework currently in use at Canadian medical schools and residency training programs for family (fm) and internal medicine (im), and to evaluate opinions about the content and utility of standard oncology education objectives, a Web survey was designed and sent to educators and learners. The survey recipients included undergraduate medical education curriculum committee members (umeccms), directors of fm and im programs, oncologists, medical students, and fm and im residents. Results Survey responses were received from 677 educators and learners. Oncology education was felt to be inadequate in their respective programs by 58% of umeccms, 57% of fm program directors, and 50% of im program directors. For learners, oncology education was thought to be inadequate by 67% of medical students, 86% of fm residents, and 63% of im residents. When comparing teaching of medical subspecialty–related diseases, all groups agreed that their trainees were least prepared to manage patients with cancer. A standard set of oncology objectives was thought to be possibly or definitely useful for undergraduate learners by 59% of respondents overall and by 61% of postgraduate learners. Conclusions Oncology education in Canadian undergraduate and postgraduate fm and im training programs are currently thought to be inadequate by a majority of educators and learners. Developing a standard set of oncology objectives might address the needs of learners. PMID:24523624

NAEP 1992 Mathematics State Report for the Virgin Islands. The Trial State Assessment Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Assessment of Educational Progress, Princeton, NJ.

In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) included a Trial State Assessment which, for the first time in the NAEP's history, made voluntary state-by-state assessments. This 1992 mathematics report marks the first attempt of the National Center for Education Statistics to shift to standards-based reporting of National…

Development and Evaluation of a Computer-Based Program for Assessing Quality of Family Medicine Teams Based on Accreditation Standards

PubMed Central

Valjevac, Salih; Ridjanovic, Zoran; Masic, Izet

2009-01-01

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: NONE DECLARED SUMMARY Introduction Agency for healthcare quality and accreditation in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AKAZ) is authorized body in the field of healthcare quality and safety improvement and accreditation of healthcare institutions. Beside accreditation standards for hospitals and primary health care centers, AKAZ has also developed accreditation standards for family medicine teams. Methods Software development was primarily based on Accreditation Standards for Family Medicine Teams. Seven chapters / topics: (1. Physical factors; 2. Equipment; 3. Organization and Management; 4. Health promotion and illness prevention; 5. Clinical services; 6. Patient survey; and 7. Patient’s rights and obligations) contain 35 standards describing expected level of family medicine team’s quality. Based on accreditation standards structure and needs of different potential users, it was concluded that software backbone should be a database containing all accreditation standards, self assessment and external assessment details. In this article we will present the development of standardized software for self and external evaluation of quality of service in family medicine, as well as plans for the future development of this software package. Conclusion Electronic data gathering and storing enhances the management, access and overall use of information. During this project we came to conclusion that software for self assessment and external assessment is ideal for accreditation standards distribution, their overview by the family medicine team members, their self assessment and external assessment. PMID:24109157

A study of science leadership and science standards in exemplary standards-based science programs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpenter, Wendy Renae

The purpose for conducting this qualitative study was to explore best practices of exemplary standards-based science programs and instructional leadership practices in a charter high school and in a traditional high school. The focus of this study included how twelve participants aligned practices to National Science Education Standards to describe their science programs and science instructional practices. This study used a multi-site case study qualitative design. Data were obtained through a review of literature, interviews, observations, review of educational documents, and researcher's notes collected in a field log. The methodology used was a multi-site case study because of the potential, through cross analysis, for providing greater explanation of the findings in the study (Merriam, 1988). This study discovered six characteristics about the two high school's science programs that enhance the literature found in the National Science Education Standards; (a) Culture of expectations for learning-In exemplary science programs teachers are familiar with a wide range of curricula. They have the ability to examine critically and select activities to use with their students to promote the understanding of science; (b) Culture of varied experiences-In exemplary science programs students are provided different paths to learning, which help students, take in information and make sense of concepts and skills that are set forth by the standards; (c) Culture of continuous feedback-In exemplary science programs teachers and students work together to engage students in ongoing assessments of their work and that of others as prescribed in the standards; (d) Culture of Observations-In exemplary science programs students, teachers, and principals reflect on classroom instructional practices; teachers receive ongoing evaluations about their teaching and apply feedback towards improving practices as outlined in the standards; (e) Culture of continuous learning-In exemplary science programs teachers value continuous personal development, teachers are provided on-going science professional development opportunities to improve instructional practices, teachers reflect and share professional practices, and teachers establish professional learning communities within their classrooms; and (f) Culture of shared leadership-In exemplary science programs instructional leadership purposes and values are consistently shared among all stakeholders which are outlined in the standards. These results are potentially useful for understanding exemplary standards-based science programs and science instructional leadership practices as a model for science programs trying to improve science education so that all students can have a true scientific learning experience.

Scientific Framework for Stormwater Monitoring by the Washington State Department of Transportation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sheibley, R.W.; Kelly, V.J.; Wagner, R.J.

2009-01-01

The Washington State Department of Transportation municipal stormwater monitoring program, in operation for about 8 years, never has received an external, objective assessment. In addition, the Washington State Department of Transportation would like to identify the standard operating procedures and quality assurance protocols that must be adopted so that their monitoring program will meet the requirements of the new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System municipal stormwater permit. As a result, in March 2009, the Washington State Department of Transportation asked the U.S. Geological Survey to assess their pre-2009 municipal stormwater monitoring program. This report presents guidelines developed for the Washington State Department of Transportation to meet new permit requirements and regional/national stormwater monitoring standards to ensure that adequate processes and procedures are identified to collect high-quality, scientifically defensible municipal stormwater monitoring data. These include: (1) development of coherent vision and cooperation among all elements of the program; (2) a comprehensive approach for site selection; (3) an effective quality assurance program for field, laboratory, and data management; and (4) an adequate database and data management system.

Evaluating the Quality of Competency Assessment in Pharmacy: A Framework for Workplace Learning.

PubMed

Shah, Shailly; McLaughlin, Jacqueline E; Eckel, Stephen F; Mangun, Jesica; Hawes, Emily

2016-01-19

Demonstration of achieved competencies is critical in the pharmacy workplace. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of the competency assessment program for pharmacy residents at an academic medical center. The competency assessment program (CAP) survey is a validated, 48-item instrument that evaluates the quality of an assessment program based on 12 criteria, each measured by four questions on a scale of 0 to 100. The CAP was completed by residents ( n = 23) and preceptors ( n = 28) from the pharmacy residency program between 2010 and 2013. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, and non-parametric tests. Educational Consequences was the only quality criteria falling below the standard for "good quality." Participants that completed residency training elsewhere rated the Comparability (0.04) and Meaningfulness (0.01) of the assessment program higher than those that completed residency at the academic medical center. There were no significant differences between resident and preceptor scores. Overall, the quality of the assessment program was rated highly by residents and preceptors. The process described here provides a useful framework for understanding the quality of workplace learning assessments in pharmacy practice.

Assessment of obese children and adolescents: a survey of pediatric obesity-management programs.

PubMed

Eisenmann, Joey C

2011-09-01

This article provides descriptive information on the assessments conducted in stage 3 or 4 pediatric obesity-management programs associated with National Association of Children's Hospital and Related Institutions hospitals enrolled in FOCUS on a Fitter Future. Eighteen institutions completed a survey that considered the following assessments: patient/family medical history; physical examination; blood pressure; body size and composition; blood chemistry; aerobic fitness; resting metabolic rate; muscle strength and flexibility; gross motor function; spirometry; sedentary behavior and physical activity; dietary behavior and nutrition; and psychological assessments. Frequency distributions were determined for each question. Overall, the results indicate that most programs that participated in this survey were following 2007 Expert Committee assessment recommendations; however, a variety of measurement tools were used. The variation in assessment tools, protocols, etc is partially caused by the program diversity dictated by personnel, both in terms of number and duties. It also shows the challenges in standardizing methodologies across clinics if we hope to establish a national registry for pediatric obesity clinics. In addition to providing a better understanding of the current assessment practices in pediatric obesity-management programs, the results provided herein should assist other clinics/hospitals that are developing pediatric obesity programs.

Standardized patients in audiology: a proposal for a new method of evaluating clinical competence.

PubMed

Dinsmore, Brooke Freeman; Bohnert, Carrie; Preminger, Jill E

2013-05-01

While accrediting organizations require AuD programs to provide evidence that their students are able to demonstrate knowledge and competencies in specific content areas, there are no generally accepted mechanisms for the assessment and the measurement of these proficiencies. We propose that AuD programs consider developing standardized patient (SP) cases in order to develop consistent summative assessment programs within and across universities. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for establishing SP programs to evaluate competencies in AuD students by detailing the history of SP cases and their use, developing a rationale for this method of assessment, and outlining the steps for writing and implementing SP cases. Literature review. SPs have been used to assess clinical competence in medical students for over 50 yr. The prevalence of SP assessment in allied health professions (e.g., dentistry, psychology, pharmacy) has increased over the last two decades but has only gained a limited following in audiology. SP assessment has been implemented in medical education using the Objective Structured Clinical Examination, a multistation, timed exam that uses fictional cases to assess students' clinical abilities. To date, only one published report has been completed that evaluates the use of SPs to assess clinical abilities in audiology students. This article expands upon the work of English et al (2007) and their efforts to use SPs to evaluate counseling abilities. To this end, we describe the steps necessary to write a case, procedures to determine performance requirements, and the need to develop remediation plans. As an example, we include a case that we have developed in order to evaluate vestibular assessment and patient communication skills. Utilizing SP assessment in audiology education would provide useful means to evaluate competence in a uniform way. Future research is necessary to develop reliable and valid cases that may be implemented across programs. This article aims to serve as a call to audiology programs to begin developing and reporting these cases. Once these are established we can begin to use SP cases for summative assessment. American Academy of Audiology.

Informing Estimates of Program Effects for Studies of Mathematics Professional Development Using Teacher Content Knowledge Outcomes.

PubMed

Phelps, Geoffrey; Kelcey, Benjamin; Jones, Nathan; Liu, Shuangshuang

2016-10-03

Mathematics professional development is widely offered, typically with the goal of improving teachers' content knowledge, the quality of teaching, and ultimately students' achievement. Recently, new assessments focused on mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) have been developed to assist in the evaluation and improvement of mathematics professional development. This study presents empirical estimates of average program change in MKT and its variation with the goal of supporting the design of experimental trials that are adequately powered to detect a specified program effect. The study drew on a large database representing five different assessments of MKT and collectively 326 professional development programs and 9,365 teachers. Results from cross-classified hierarchical growth models found that standardized average change estimates across the five assessments ranged from a low of 0.16 standard deviations (SDs) to a high of 0.26 SDs. Power analyses using the estimated pre- and posttest change estimates indicated that hundreds of teachers are needed to detect changes in knowledge at the lower end of the distribution. Even studies powered to detect effects at the higher end of the distribution will require substantial resources to conduct rigorous experimental trials. Empirical benchmarks that describe average program change and its variation provide a useful preliminary resource for interpreting the relative magnitude of effect sizes associated with professional development programs and for designing adequately powered trials. © The Author(s) 2016.

Youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television--25 markets, United States, 2010.

PubMed

2013-11-08

Excessive alcohol consumption accounted for an estimated 4,700 deaths and 280,000 years of potential life lost among youths aged <21 years each year during 2001-2005. Exposure to alcohol marketing increases the likelihood to varying degrees that youths will initiate drinking and drink at higher levels. By 2003, the alcohol industry voluntarily agreed not to advertise on television programs where >30% of the audience is reasonably expected to be aged <21 years. However, the National Research Council/Institute of Medicine (NRC/IOM) proposed in 2003 that "the industry standard should move toward a 15% threshold for television advertising". Because local media markets might have different age distributions, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, evaluated the proportion of advertisements that appeared on television programs in 25 local television markets* and resulting youth exposure that exceeded the industry standard (i.e., >30% aged 2-20 years) or the proposed NRC/IOM standard (i.e., >15% aged 12-20 years). Among national television programs with alcohol advertising, placements were assessed for the 10 programs with the largest number of youth viewers within each of four program categories: network sports, network nonsports, cable sports, and cable nonsports (40 total). Of the 196,494 alcohol advertisements that aired on television programs with the largest number of youth viewers in these local markets, placement of 23.7% exceeded the industry threshold and 35.4% exceeded the NRC/IOM threshold. These results indicate that the alcohol industry's self-regulation of its advertising could be improved, and youth exposure to alcohol advertising could be further reduced by adopting and complying with the NRC/IOM standard. In addition, continued public health surveillance would allow for sustained assessment of youth exposure to alcohol advertising and inform future interventions.

Assessment of surgical competence in North American graduate periodontics programs: a survey of current practices.

PubMed

Ghiabi, Edmond; Taylor, K Lynn

2010-08-01

This cross-sectional study was designed to document the methods utilized by North American graduate periodontics programs in assessing their residents' surgical skills. A survey of clinical skills assessment was mailed to directors of all fifty-eight graduate periodontics programs in Canada and the United States. Thirty-four programs (59 percent) responded. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. The results demonstrate that the most common practice for providing feedback and documenting residents' surgical skills in the programs surveyed was daily one-on-one verbal feedback given by an instructor. The next two most commonly reported methods were a standard checklist developed at program level and a combination of a checklist and verbal comments. The majority of the programs reported that the instructors met collectively once per term to evaluate the residents' progress. The results suggest that graduate periodontics programs provide their residents frequent opportunities for daily practice with verbal feedback from instructors. However, assessment strategies identified in other health professions as beneficial in fostering the integration of clinical skills practices are not employed.

Findings From the National Machine Guarding Program: A Small Business Intervention: Lockout/Tagout.

PubMed

Parker, David L; Yamin, Samuel C; Xi, Min; Brosseau, Lisa M; Gordon, Robert; Most, Ivan G; Stanley, Rodney

2016-01-01

Failure to implement lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures adversely affects the rate of work-related fatalities and serious traumatic injury and is one of the most frequently cited Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. This study assesses the impact of a nationwide intervention to improve LOTO in small metal fabrication businesses. Insurance safety consultants conducted a standardized and validated evaluation of LOTO programs and procedures. Businesses received a baseline evaluation, two intervention visits, and a 12-month follow-up evaluation. The intervention was completed by 160 businesses. The mean LOTO procedure score improved from 8% to 33% (P < 0.0001), the mean program score went from 55% to 76% (P < 0.0001), and the presence of lockable disconnects went from 88% to 92% (P < 0.0001). This nationwide intervention showed substantial improvements in LOTO. It provides a framework for assessing and improving LOTO.

A Synthetic Comparator Approach to Local Evaluation of School-Based Substance Use Prevention Programming.

PubMed

Hansen, William B; Derzon, James H; Reese, Eric L

2014-06-01

We propose a method for creating groups against which outcomes of local pretest-posttest evaluations of evidence-based programs can be judged. This involves assessing pretest markers for new and previously conducted evaluations to identify groups that have high pretest similarity. A database of 802 prior local evaluations provided six summary measures for analysis. The proximity of all groups using these variables is calculated as standardized proximities having values between 0 and 1. Five methods for creating standardized proximities are demonstrated. The approach allows proximity limits to be adjusted to find sufficient numbers of synthetic comparators. Several index cases are examined to assess the numbers of groups available to serve as comparators. Results show that most local evaluations would have sufficient numbers of comparators available for estimating program effects. This method holds promise as a tool for local evaluations to estimate relative effectiveness. © The Author(s) 2012.

Use of Joint Commission International Standards to Evaluate and Improve Pediatric Oncology Nursing Care in Guatemala

PubMed Central

Day, Sara W.; McKeon, Leslie M.; Garcia, Jose; Wilimas, Judith A.; Carty, Rita M.; de Alarcon, Pedro; Antillon, Federico; Howard, Scott C.

2017-01-01

Background Inadequate nursing care is a major impediment to development of effective programs for treatment of childhood cancer in low-income countries. When the International Outreach Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital established partner sites in low-income countries, few nurses had pediatric oncology skills or experience. A comprehensive nursing program was developed to promote the provision of quality nursing care, and in this manuscript we describe the program’s impact on 20 selected Joint Commission International (JCI) quality standards at the National Pediatric Oncology Unit in Guatemala. We utilized JCI standards to focus the nursing evaluation and implementation of improvements. These standards were developed to assess public hospitals in low-income countries and are recognized as the gold standard of international quality evaluation. Methods We compared the number of JCI standards met before and after the nursing program was implemented using direct observation of nursing care; review of medical records, policies, procedures, and job descriptions; and interviews with staff. Results In 2006, only 1 of the 20 standards was met fully, 2 partially, and 17 not met. In 2009, 16 were met fully, 1 partially, and 3 not met. Several factors contributed to the improvement. The pre-program quality evaluation provided objective and credible findings and an organizational framework for implementing change. The medical, administrative, and nursing staff worked together to improve nursing standards. Conclusion A systematic approach and involvement of all hospital disciplines led to significant improvement in nursing care that was reflected by fully meeting 16 of 20 standards. PMID:23015363

Final test report for NTCIP 1203 V2.25--dynamic message signs (DMS) as deployed by the Virginia department of transportation (VDOT).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-04-25

This report presents the results of the ITS Standards Testing Program for the field testing, assessment, and evaluation of the NTCIP standards that apply in the domain of Dynamic Message Signs (DMS). Specifically, the National Transportation Communic...

Using Reading Rate and Comprehension CBM to Predict High-Stakes Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Kelli Caldwell; Bell, Sherry Mee; McCallum, R. Steve

2015-01-01

Because of the increased emphasis on standardized testing results, scores from a high-stakes, end-of-year test (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program [TCAP] Reading Composite) were used as the standard against which scores from a group-administered, curriculum-based measure (CBM), Monitoring Instructional Responsiveness: Reading (MIR:R), were…

Montana Health Enhancement...An Expanded Concept: Assessment and Planning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montana State Dept. of Public Instruction, Helena.

Comprehensive health enhancement programs (CHEPs) are a curricular area required by new Montana accreditation standards. The curriculum combines the disciplines of health and physical education into an integrated, holistic, health-oriented program. A CHEP incorporates an expanded concept of health services--healthy school environment, employee…

42 CFR 482.96 - Condition of participation: Quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... practices, patient education, patient satisfaction, and patient rights. The transplant center must take... or arrangement. (a) Standard: Components of a QAPI program. The transplant center's QAPI program must use objective measures to evaluate the center's performance with regard to transplantation activities...

42 CFR 482.96 - Condition of participation: Quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... practices, patient education, patient satisfaction, and patient rights. The transplant center must take... or arrangement. (a) Standard: Components of a QAPI program. The transplant center's QAPI program must use objective measures to evaluate the center's performance with regard to transplantation activities...

42 CFR 482.96 - Condition of participation: Quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... practices, patient education, patient satisfaction, and patient rights. The transplant center must take... or arrangement. (a) Standard: Components of a QAPI program. The transplant center's QAPI program must use objective measures to evaluate the center's performance with regard to transplantation activities...

How reliable is computerized assessment of readability?

PubMed

Mailloux, S L; Johnson, M E; Fisher, D G; Pettibone, T J

1995-01-01

To assess the consistency and comparability of readability software programs, four software programs (Corporate Voice, Grammatix IV, Microsoft Word for Windows, and RightWriter) were compared. Standard materials included 28 pieces of printed educational materials on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome distributed nationally and the Gettysburg Address. Statistical analyses for the educational materials revealed that each of the three formulas assessed (Flesch-Kincaid, Flesch Reading Ease, and Gunning Fog Index) provided significantly different grade equivalent scores and that the Microsoft Word program provided significantly lower grade levels and was more inconsistent in the scores provided. For the Gettysburg Address, considerable variation was revealed among formulas, with the discrepancy being up to two grade levels. When averaging across formulas, there was a variation of 1.3 grade levels between the four software programs. Given the variation between formulas and programs, implications for decisions based on results of these software programs are provided.

Interventions to prevent and control food-borne diseases associated with a reduction in traveler's diarrhea in tourists to Jamaica.

PubMed

Ashley, David V M; Walters, Christine; Dockery-Brown, Cheryl; McNab, André; Ashley, Deanna E C

2004-01-01

In 1996 a study found that approximately one in four tourists to Jamaica were affected with traveler's diarrhea (TD) during their stay. That year the Ministry of Health initiated a program for the prevention and control of TD. The aim of this ongoing program was to reduce attack rates of TD from 25% to 12% over a 5-year period by improving the environmental health and food safety standards of hotels. Hotel-based surveillance procedures for TD were implemented in sentinel hotels in Negril and Montego Bay in 1996, Ocho Rios in 1997, and Kingston in 1999. A structured program provided training and technical assistance to nurses, food and beverage staff, and environmental sanitation personnel in the implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point principles for monitoring food safety standards. The impact of interventions on TD was assessed in a survey of tourists departing from the international airport in Montego Bay in 1997-1998 and from the international airport in Kingston in 1999-2000. The impact of the training and technical assistance program on food safety standards and practices was assessed in hotels in Ocho Rios as of 1998 and in Kingston from 1999. At the end of May 2002, TD incidence rates were 72% lower than in 1996, when the Ministry of Health initiated its program for the prevention and control of TD. Both hotel surveillance data and airport surveillance data suggest that the vast majority of travelers to Kingston and southern regions are not afflicted with TD during their stay. The training and technical assistance program improved compliance to food safety standards over time. Interventions to prevent and control TD in visitors to Jamaica are positively associated with a reduction in TD in the visitor population and improvements in food safety standards and practices in hotels.

Structure and characteristics of family medicine maternity care fellowships.

PubMed

Peterson, Lars E; Blackburn, Brenna; Phillips, Robert L; Puffer, James C

2014-05-01

Fewer family physicians are providing maternity care. Maternity Care Fellowships (MCFs) provide training in advanced obstetrical skills, including cesarean sections. These programs lack official recognition and certification. MCF graduates have been studied, but there are no studies of the fellowships. The objective of this study was to assess the structure and organization of family medicine MCFs. We identified MCFs from the American Academy of Family Physicians website. Twenty-nine unique and active programs were included in the final sample. We surveyed programs via an anonymous internet methodology. The survey asked about program structure, organization, and educational aspects of the program. A total of 18 programs responded, for a 62% response rate. Eighty-eight percent of MCFs were 1 year in length, and the mean number of fellows per year was 1.9. All but one program were associated with a residency training program, and 55.6% were based in community hospitals. All but two programs had a standardized curriculum. Eighty-eight percent of MCFs had obstetricians involved in teaching or clinical supervision. Mean estimated number of deliveries performed by fellows were 80 vaginal and 108 caesarian. Graduates of MCFs were largely able to obtain caesarian privileges after graduation, and many were working in rural and/or underserved areas. Many MCF directors favored formal accreditation and a standardized curriculum across programs. Despite lack of formal accreditation, MCFs have academic affiliations and internally standardized curricula. MCFs provide an obstetric workforce for rural and underserved areas, and formal accreditation may ensure program survival and boost educational standards.

How Do Physicians Assess Their Family Physician Colleagues' Performance? Creating a Rubric to Inform Assessment and Feedback

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sargeant, Joan; MacLeod, Tanya; Sinclair, Douglas; Power, Mary

2011-01-01

Introduction: The Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and Nova Scotia (CPSNS) use a standardized multisource feedback program, the Physician Achievement Review (PAR/NSPAR), to provide physicians with performance assessment data via questionnaires from medical colleagues, coworkers, and patients on 5 practice domains: consultation…

34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

34 CFR 200.10 - Applicability of a State's academic assessments to private schools and private school students.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 34 Education 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Applicability of a State's academic assessments to... TITLE I-IMPROVING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE DISADVANTAGED Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies Standards and Assessments § 200.10 Applicability of a State's academic...

77 FR 33563 - Applications for New Awards; Comprehensive Centers Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-06

... career-ready standards and aligned, high-quality assessments for all students; (2) identifying... outcomes for all students; close achievement gaps; and improve the quality of instruction. Regional...)) established Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) and charged them with conducting educational needs assessments...

SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATION FOR RISK ASSESSMENTS TO PROTECT NON-TARGET PLANTS FROM HERBICIDES

EPA Science Inventory

SCIENCE QUESTIONS:

EPA's Office of Pesticides Programs (OPP) requires scientifically credible information and methods to assess health and ecological risks from chemical pesticides. However the suite of standard bioassays and approaches available to OPP to determine these ...

Toward an objective assessment of technical skills: a national survey of surgical program directors in Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Alkhayal, Abdullah; Aldhukair, Shahla; Alselaim, Nahar; Aldekhayel, Salah; Alhabdan, Sultan; Altaweel, Waleed; Magzoub, Mohi Elden; Zamakhshary, Mohammed

2012-01-01

After almost a decade of implementing competency-based programs in postgraduate training programs, the assessment of technical skills remains more subjective than objective. National data on the assessment of technical skills during surgical training are lacking. We conducted this study to document the assessment tools for technical skills currently used in different surgical specialties, their relationship with remediation, the recommended tools from the program directors' perspective, and program directors' attitudes toward the available objective tools to assess technical skills. This study was a cross-sectional survey of surgical program directors (PDs). The survey was initially developed using a focus group and was then sent to 116 PDs. The survey contains demographic information about the program, the objective assessment tools used, and the reason for not using assessment tools. The last section discusses the recommended tools to be used from the PDs' perspective and the PDs' attitude and motivation to apply these tools in each program. The associations between the responses to the assessment questions and remediation were statistically evaluated. Seventy-one (61%) participants responded. Of the respondents, 59% mentioned using only nonstandardized, subjective, direct observation for technical skills assessment. Sixty percent use only summative evaluation, whereas 15% perform only formative evaluations of their residents, and the remaining 22% conduct both summative and formative evaluations of their residents' technical skills. Operative portfolios are kept by 53% of programs. The percentage of programs with mechanisms for remediation is 29% (19 of 65). The survey showed that surgical training programs use different tools to assess surgical skills competency. Having a clear remediation mechanism was highly associated with reporting remediation, which reflects the capability to detect struggling residents. Surgical training leadership should invest more in standardizing the assessment of surgical skills.

Developing the IT Workforce: Certification Programs, Participants and Outcomes in High Schools and Two-Year Colleges. Final Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haimson, Joshua; VanNoy, Michelle

2004-01-01

Many high school and two-year college vocational programs are exploring new ways to help students develop and document skills valued in the labor market. Over the past decade, some efforts to improve vocational programs have focused on reorganizing curricula around skill standards and assessments formulated by employers. One recent example of this…

Miami-Dade Community College 1984 Institutional Self-Study. Volume IV: Student Information and Performance Standards (Advisement and Graduation Information System, Academic Alert, Standards of Academic Progress).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miami-Dade Community Coll., FL.

Part of a systematic, in-depth assessment of Miami-Dade Community College's (MDCC's) educational programs, student support systems, and selected campus-level activities, this volume of the college's institutional self-study report examines the impact and effectiveness of student information systems and performance standards. This report presents…

Integrating Formal Methods and Testing 2002

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cukic, Bojan

2002-01-01

Traditionally, qualitative program verification methodologies and program testing are studied in separate research communities. None of them alone is powerful and practical enough to provide sufficient confidence in ultra-high reliability assessment when used exclusively. Significant advances can be made by accounting not only tho formal verification and program testing. but also the impact of many other standard V&V techniques, in a unified software reliability assessment framework. The first year of this research resulted in the statistical framework that, given the assumptions on the success of the qualitative V&V and QA procedures, significantly reduces the amount of testing needed to confidently assess reliability at so-called high and ultra-high levels (10-4 or higher). The coming years shall address the methodologies to realistically estimate the impacts of various V&V techniques to system reliability and include the impact of operational risk to reliability assessment. Combine formal correctness verification, process and product metrics, and other standard qualitative software assurance methods with statistical testing with the aim of gaining higher confidence in software reliability assessment for high-assurance applications. B) Quantify the impact of these methods on software reliability. C) Demonstrate that accounting for the effectiveness of these methods reduces the number of tests needed to attain certain confidence level. D) Quantify and justify the reliability estimate for systems developed using various methods.

Appendix C: Background and Methodology for Alternative Certification Pilot. [2014 Teacher Prep Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenberg, Julie; Walsh, Kate; McKee, Arthur

2014-01-01

The "NCTQ Teacher Prep Review" evaluates the quality of programs that provide preservice preparation of public school teachers. As part of the "Review," this appendix reports on a pilot study of new standards for assessing the quality of alternative certification programs. Background and methodology for alternative…

Odyssey Reading. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2012

2012-01-01

"Odyssey Reading," published by CompassLearning[R], is a web-based K-12 reading/language arts program designed to allow for instructional differentiation and data-driven decision making. The online program includes electronic curricula and materials for individual or small-group work, assessments aligned with state curriculum standards,…

75 FR 79459

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-20

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Rulemaking Stage Number Number 1 Wholesale Pork Reporting Program 0581-AD07 Proposed Rule Stage 2 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Dairy Import Assessments, DA-08-0050 0581-AC87 Final Rule Stage 3 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds 0579-AC02 Proposed...

Exercising for Two. What's Safe for the Active Pregnant Woman?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Jacqueline

1992-01-01

Clinical experience and recent research challenge the current standards of exercise duration and intensity for pregnant women. By carefully assessing patients' self-monitoring techniques, physicians can work with active women to create safe exercise programs during pregnancy. Safety guidelines for developing home exercise programs are included.…

42 CFR 416.43 - Conditions for coverage-Quality assessment and performance improvement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... outcomes, patient safety, and quality of care. (2) Performance improvement activities must track adverse... patient safety by using quality indicators or performance measures associated with improved health... that includes care and services furnished in the ASC. (b) Standard: Program data. (1) The program must...

Adult Bronchoscopy Training

PubMed Central

Wahidi, Momen M.; Read, Charles A.; Buckley, John D.; Addrizzo-Harris, Doreen J.; Shah, Pallav L.; Herth, Felix J. F.; de Hoyos Parra, Alberto; Ornelas, Joseph; Yarmus, Lonny; Silvestri, Gerard A.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: The determination of competency of trainees in programs performing bronchoscopy is quite variable. Some programs provide didactic lectures with hands-on supervision, other programs incorporate advanced simulation centers, whereas others have a checklist approach. Although no single method has been proven best, the variability alone suggests that outcomes are variable. Program directors and certifying bodies need guidance to create standards for training programs. Little well-developed literature on the topic exists. METHODS: To provide credible and trustworthy guidance, rigorous methodology has been applied to create this bronchoscopy consensus training statement. All panelists were vetted and approved by the CHEST Guidelines Oversight Committee. Each topic group drafted questions in a PICO (population, intervention, comparator, outcome) format. MEDLINE data through PubMed and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Manual searches also supplemented the searches. All gathered references were screened for consideration based on inclusion criteria, and all statements were designated as an Ungraded Consensus-Based Statement. RESULTS: We suggest that professional societies move from a volume-based certification system to skill acquisition and knowledge-based competency assessment for trainees. Bronchoscopy training programs should incorporate multiple tools, including simulation. We suggest that ongoing quality and process improvement systems be introduced and that certifying agencies move from a volume-based certification system to skill acquisition and knowledge-based competency assessment for trainees. We also suggest that assessment of skill maintenance and improvement in practice be evaluated regularly with ongoing quality and process improvement systems after initial skill acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: The current methods used for bronchoscopy competency in training programs are variable. We suggest that professional societies and certifying agencies move from a volume- based certification system to a standardized skill acquisition and knowledge-based competency assessment for pulmonary and thoracic surgery trainees. PMID:25674901

15 CFR 285.8 - Proficiency testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL.... Summary results are available upon request to other interested parties; e.g., professional societies and...

15 CFR 285.8 - Proficiency testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL.... Summary results are available upon request to other interested parties; e.g., professional societies and...

76 FR 78814 - National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program; Operating Procedures

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-20

... requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. The change will allow NVLAP... the human environment. Therefore, an environmental assessment or Environmental Impact Statement is not..., Laboratories, Measurement standards, Testing. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 15 of the Code...

Firefighter health and fitness assessment: a call to action.

PubMed

Storer, Thomas W; Dolezal, Brett A; Abrazado, Marlon L; Smith, Denise L; Batalin, Maxim A; Tseng, Chi-Hong; Cooper, Christopher B

2014-03-01

Sudden cardiac deaths experienced by firefighters in the line of duty account for the largest proportion of deaths annually. Several fire service standards for fitness and wellness have been recommended but currently only 30% of U.S. fire departments are implementing programs for this purpose. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has initiated the Physiological Health Assessment System for Emergency Responders (PHASER) program aiming to reduce these line-of-duty deaths through an integration of medical science and sensor technologies. Confirming previous reports, PHASER comprehensive risk assessment has identified lack of physical fitness with propensity for overexertion as a major modifiable risk factor. We sought to determine if current levels of fitness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a contemporary cohort of firefighters were better than those reported over the past 30 years. Fifty-one firefighters from a Southern California department were characterized for physical fitness and CVD risk factors using standard measures. Overall, physical fitness and risk factors were not different from previous reports of firefighter fitness and most subjects did not achieve recommended fitness standards. Considering the lack of widespread implementation of wellness/fitness programs in the U.S. fire service together with our findings that low physical fitness and the presence of CVD risk factors persist, we issue a call to action among health and fitness professionals to assist the fire service in implementing programs for firefighters that improve fitness and reduce CVD risk factors. Fitness professionals should be empowered to work with fire departments lending their expertise to guide programs that achieve these objectives, which may then lead to reduced incidence of sudden cardiac death or stroke.

[Standardization in laboratory hematology by participating in external quality assurance programs].

PubMed

Nazor, Aida; Siftar, Zoran; Flegar-Mestrić, Zlata

2011-09-01

Since 1985, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, has been participating in the International External Quality Assessment Scheme for Hematology (IEQAS-H) organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Owing to very good results, in 1987 the Department received a certificate of participation in this control scheme. Department has been cooperating in the external quality assessment program in laboratory hematology which has been continuously performed in Croatia since 1986 by the Committee for External Quality Assessment Schemes under the auspices of the Croatian Society of Medical Biochemists and School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb. Nowadays, 186 medical biochemical laboratories are included in the National External Quality Assessment program, which is performed three times per year. Our Department has participated in the international projects of the European Committee for External Quality Assurance Programs in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM).

Modifying the Primary Care Exception Rule to Require Competency-Based Assessment.

PubMed

Tobin, Daniel G; Doolittle, Benjamin R; Ellman, Matthew S; Ruser, Christopher B; Brienza, Rebecca S; Genao, Inginia

2017-03-01

Teaching residents to practice independently is a core objective of graduate medical education (GME). However, billing rules established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that teaching physicians physically be present in the examination room for the care they bill, unless the training program qualifies for the Primary Care Exception Rule (PCER). Teaching physicians in programs that use this exception can bill for indirectly supervised ambulatory care once the resident who provides that care has completed six months of training. However, CMS does not mandate that programs assess or attest to residents' clinical competence before using this rule. By requiring this six-month probationary period, the implication is that residents are adequately prepared for indirectly supervised practice by this time. As residents' skill development varies, this may or may not be true. The PCER makes no attempt to delineate how residents' competence should be assessed, nor does the GME community have a standard for how and when to make this assessment specifically for the purpose of determining residents' readiness for indirectly supervised primary care practice.In this Perspective, the authors review the history and current requirements of the PCER, explore its limitations, and offer suggestions for how to modify the teaching physician billing requirements to mandate the evaluation of residents' competence using the existing milestones framework. They also recommend strategies to standardize this process of evaluation and to develop benchmarks across training programs.

15 CFR 280.211 - Subpoenas.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS FASTENER QUALITY... and the production of such books, records or other documentary or physical evidence for the purpose of...

15 CFR 285.14 - Criteria for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, including revisions from time to time. ...

15 CFR 285.14 - Criteria for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, including revisions from time to time. ...

15 CFR 285.14 - Criteria for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, including revisions from time to time. ...

15 CFR 285.14 - Criteria for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, including revisions from time to time. ...

15 CFR 285.14 - Criteria for accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL... for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, including revisions from time to time. ...

Embedding Academic Literacy Support within the Electrical Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skinner, I.; Mort, P.

2009-01-01

This paper reports the integration of supplementary training in academic literacy, for those without the assumed entry standard, into a standard electrical engineering program without compromising any other educational objectives. All students who commenced an engineering degree were tested as part of their first session's assessment activities.…

76 FR 38048 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Pilot Program for Acquisition of Military...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-29

... under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to section 26 of the Office of Federal... pricing data; (2) Exempt from the cost accounting standards under section 26 of the Office of Procurement... 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of...

What is Your Time Worth? A Meaningful Introductory Project in Algebra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Courtney, Scott A.; Gibson, Jessica

2017-01-01

There have been many recent policy and program changes in K-12 education across the United States, particularly in area of mathematics. Changes, such as the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and standards-aligned year-end summative assessments, require an increase in student-centered, cognitively demanding activities in the classroom.…

Exemplary Science in Grades 9-12: Standards-Based Success Stories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yager, Robert E., Ed

2005-01-01

In this collection of 15 essays, educators describe successful programs they've developed to fulfill the National Science Education Standards' vision for the reform of teaching, assessment, professional development, and content at the high school level. All the visions correspond with the Less Emphasis and More Emphasis conditions that conclude…

Quantitative Statements in Standards of Three Accrediting Bodies: APA, CACREP, and CSWE.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Marla P.; Turner, Janet

The accreditation manual of the Council for Accrediation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) contains a statement that, whenever possible, criteria for assessing standards should be qualitative rather than quantitative. The study reported in this paper was conducted to gather baseline data on the extent to which accrediting…

Designing California's Next School Accountability Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Warren, Paul

2014-01-01

California is in the midst of a major K-12 reform effort. In 2010, the state adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which outline what students should know in mathematics and English. In 2013, it adopted tests of the new standards developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Collaborative (SBAC). These tests will be administered beginning…

Productivity Measurement in R&D: Productivity Measurement Experiment (PROMEX) in Selected Research and Development Programs at the National Bureau of Standards

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-12-01

Frequency Standards R. A. Kamper, Cryoelectronics D. B. Mann, Cryogenic Metrology Other Contributors: T. Dillon S. Dunaway J. Ellermeier K. T. Higgins R...research projects could be continuously assessed. Lipetz,, Ben-Ami. The Measueement of Efficiency of Scientific Research. Intermedia , Inc., Carlisle

NAEP: Gold Standard or Fool's Gold?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Popham, W. James

2005-01-01

Results of tests of students' skills and knowledge conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the state accountability tests required by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) program should not be compared. The two tests are based on different standards and have different measurement functions and judging the results of one…

Counterbalance Assessment: The Chorizo Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cabrera, Nolan L.; Cabrera, George A.

2011-01-01

Just like all the high-stakes tests that determine students' futures nowadays, The Chorizo Test is a standardized test rooted in the culture of the test makers. It was originally created to be used with students in teacher training programs to sensitize them to the pitfalls inherent in standardized pencil-and-paper tests, such as linguistic bias…

Effectiveness of disease-management programs for improving diabetes care: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Pimouguet, Clément; Le Goff, Mélanie; Thiébaut, Rodolphe; Dartigues, Jean François; Helmer, Catherine

2011-02-08

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of disease-management programs for improving glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus and to study which components of programs are associated with their effectiveness. We searched several databases for studies published up to December 2009. We included randomized controlled trials involving adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes that evaluated the effect of disease-management programs on glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A₁(C)) concentrations. We performed a meta-regression analysis to determine the effective components of the programs. We included 41 randomized controlled trials in our review. Across these trials, disease-management programs resulted in a significant reduction in hemoglobin A₁(C) levels (pooled standardized mean difference between intervention and control groups -0.38 [95% confidence interval -0.47 to -0.29], which corresponds to an absolute mean difference of 0.51%). The finding was robust in the sensitivity analyses based on quality assessment. Programs in which the disease manager was able to start or modify treatment with or without prior approval from the primary care physician resulted in a greater improvement in hemoglobin A₁(C) levels (standardized mean difference -0.60 v. -0.28 in trials with no approval to do so; p < 0.001). Programs with a moderate or high frequency of contact reported a significant reduction in hemoglobin A₁(C) levels compared with usual care; nevertheless, only programs with a high frequency of contact led to a significantly greater reduction compared with low-frequency contact programs (standardized mean difference -0.56 v. -0.30, p = 0.03). Disease-management programs had a clinically moderate but significant impact on hemoglobin A₁(C) levels among adults with diabetes. Effective components of programs were a high frequency of patient contact and the ability for disease managers to adjust treatment with or without prior physician approval.

Effectiveness of disease-management programs for improving diabetes care: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Pimouguet, Clément; Le Goff, Mélanie; Thiébaut, Rodolphe; Dartigues, Jean François; Helmer, Catherine

2011-01-01

Background We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of disease-management programs for improving glycemic control in adults with diabetes mellitus and to study which components of programs are associated with their effectiveness. Methods We searched several databases for studies published up to December 2009. We included randomized controlled trials involving adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes that evaluated the effect of disease-management programs on glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C) concentrations. We performed a meta-regression analysis to determine the effective components of the programs. Results We included 41 randomized controlled trials in our review. Across these trials, disease-management programs resulted in a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels (pooled standardized mean difference between intervention and control groups −0.38 [95% confidence interval −0.47 to −0.29], which corresponds to an absolute mean difference of 0.51%). The finding was robust in the sensitivity analyses based on quality assessment. Programs in which the disease manager was able to start or modify treatment with or without prior approval from the primary care physician resulted in a greater improvement in hemoglobin A1C levels (standardized mean difference −0.60 v. −0.28 in trials with no approval to do so; p < 0.001). Programs with a moderate or high frequency of contact reported a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels compared with usual care; nevertheless, only programs with a high frequency of contact led to a significantly greater reduction compared with low-frequency contact programs (standardized mean difference −0.56 v. −0.30, p = 0.03). Interpretation Disease-management programs had a clinically moderate but significant impact on hemoglobin A1C levels among adults with diabetes. Effective components of programs were a high frequency of patient contact and the ability for disease managers to adjust treatment with or without prior physician approval. PMID:21149524

Kentucky's Early Childhood Continuous Assessment and Accountability System: Local Decisions and State Supports

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rous, Beth; McCormick, Katherine; Gooden, Caroline; Townley, Kim F.

2007-01-01

Kentucky has developed an assessment and accountability system that provides outcome data for a set of state early childhood standards for children birth to 5 years of age that are aligned with early childhood outcomes designated by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Within this flexible and comprehensive state assessment system,…

Teachers' Use of Test-Item Banks for Student Assessment in North Carolina Secondary Agricultural Education Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marshall, Joy Morgan

2014-01-01

Higher expectations are on all parties to ensure students successfully perform on standardized tests. Specifically in North Carolina agriculture classes, students are given a CTE Post Assessment to measure knowledge gained and proficiency. Prior to students taking the CTE Post Assessment, teachers have access to a test item bank system that…

Colorado School Finance Partnership: Report and Recommendations. Financing Colorado's Future: Assessing Our School Finance System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colorado Children's Campaign, 2012

2012-01-01

Over the last decade, Colorado has emerged as a national leader in crafting innovative solutions for challenges facing its public school system. From implementing the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reforms to more recent legislation including standards and assessments for a preschool-through-college…

Using a Standardized Video-Based Assessment in a University Teacher Education Program to Examine Preservice Teachers Knowledge Related to Effective Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiens, Peter D.; Hessberg, Kevin; LoCasale-Crouch, Jennifer; DeCoster, Jamie

2013-01-01

The Video Assessment of Interactions and Learning (VAIL), a video-based assessment of teacher understanding of effective teaching strategies and behaviors, was administered to preservice teachers. Descriptive and regression analyzes were conducted to examine trends among participants and identify predictors at the individual level and program…

Pediatric Patient Blood Management Programs: Not Just Transfusing Little Adults.

PubMed

Goel, Ruchika; Cushing, Melissa M; Tobian, Aaron A R

2016-10-01

Red blood cell transfusions are a common life-saving intervention for neonates and children with anemia, but transfusion decisions, indications, and doses in neonates and children are different from those of adults. Patient blood management (PBM) programs are designed to assist clinicians with appropriately transfusing patients. Although PBM programs are well recognized and appreciated in the adult setting, they are quite far from standard of care in the pediatric patient population. Adult PBM standards cannot be uniformly applied to children, and there currently is significant variation in transfusion practices. Because transfusing unnecessarily can expose children to increased risk without benefit, it is important to design PBM programs to standardize transfusion decisions. This article assesses the key elements necessary for a successful pediatric PBM program, systematically explores various possible pediatric specific blood conservation strategies and the current available literature supporting them, and outlines the gaps in the evidence suggesting need for further/improved research. Pediatric PBM programs are critically important initiatives that not only involve a cooperative effort between pediatric surgery, anesthesia, perfusion, critical care, and transfusion medicine services but also need operational support from administration, clinical leadership, finance, and the hospital information technology personnel. These programs also expand the scope for high-quality collaborative research. A key component of pediatric PBM programs is monitoring pediatric blood utilization and assessing adherence to transfusion guidelines. Data suggest that restrictive transfusion strategies should be used for neonates and children similar to adults, but further research is needed to assess the best oxygenation requirements, hemoglobin threshold, and transfusion strategy for patients with active bleeding, hemodynamic instability, unstable cardiac disease, and cyanotic cardiac disease. Perioperative blood management strategies include minimizing blood draws, restricting transfusions, intraoperative cell salvage, acute normovolemic hemodilution, antifibrinolytic agents, and using point-of-care tests to guide transfusion decisions. However, further research is needed for the use of intravenous iron, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and possible use of whole blood and pathogen inactivation. There are numerous areas where newly formed collaborations could be used to investigate pediatric transfusion, and these studies would provide critical data to support vital pediatric PBM programs to optimize neonatal and pediatric care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intensive care nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcers: development of an assessment tool and effect of an educational program.

PubMed

Tweed, Carol; Tweed, Mike

2008-07-01

Critically ill patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers. Successful prevention of pressure ulcers requires that caregivers have adequate knowledge of this complication. To assess intensive care nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcers and the impact of an educational program on knowledge levels. A knowledge assessment test was developed. A cohort of registered nurses in a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand had knowledge assessed 3 times: before an educational program, within 2 weeks after the program, and 20 weeks later. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine if attributes such as length of time since qualifying or level of intensive care unit experience were associated with test scores. The content and results of the assessment test were evaluated. Completion of the educational program resulted in improved levels of knowledge. Mean scores on the assessment test were 84% at baseline and 89% following the educational program. The mean baseline score did not differ significantly from the mean 20-week follow-up score of 85%. No association was detected between demographic data and test scores. Content validity and standard setting were verified by using a variety of methods. Levels of knowledge to prevent and manage pressure ulcers were good initially and improved with an educational program, but soon returned to baseline.

Construct Validation--Community College Instructional Development Inventory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xiong, Soua; Delgado, Nexi; Wood, J. Luke; Harris, Frank, III

2017-01-01

This white paper describes the construct validation of the Community College Instructional Development Inventory (CC-IDI). The CC-IDI is an institutional assessment tool designed to inform professional development programming for instructional faculty. The instrument was developed to serve as a standardized assessment tool to determine the…

From Capstones to Touchstones: Preparative Assessment and Its Use in Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brock, Patricia Ann

2004-01-01

Assessment of teacher competence follows current educational trends in rubrics, standards, and high-stakes testing. Simultaneously, the traditional preservice education classroom is expanding into cyberspace; many teacher preparation programs are being offered through distance learning. As preservice education students complete required courses…

Test Design Considerations for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Daniel; Farley, Dan; Tindal, Gerald

2015-01-01

Students with significant cognitive disabilities present an assessment dilemma that centers on access and validity in large-scale testing programs. Typically, access is improved by eliminating construct-irrelevant barriers, while validity is improved, in part, through test standardization. In this article, one state's alternate assessment data…

Assessing for Technological Literacy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engstrom, Daniel E.

2004-01-01

Designing standards-based assessment is a key component of a quality technology education program. For students to become technologically literate, it is important that the teacher understands how to measure student understandings and abilities in the study of technology. This article is written to help teachers and teacher educators recognize the…

NASA Safety Standard: Guidelines and Assessment Procedures for Limiting Orbital Debris

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

Collision with orbital debris is a hazard of growing concern as historically accepted practices and procedures have allowed man-made objects to accumulate in orbit. To limit future debris generation, NASA Management Instruction (NMI) 1700.8, 'Policy to Limit Orbital Debris Generation,' was issued in April of 1993. The NMI requires each program to conduct a formal assessment of the potential to generate orbital debris. This document serves as a companion to NMI 1700.08 and provides each NASA program with specific guidelines and assessment methods to assure compliance with the NMI. Each main debris assessment issue (e.g., Post Mission Disposal) is developed in a separate chapter.

Potential Applications for AQUATOX

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

AQUATOX has a myriad of potential applications to water management issues and programs, including water quality criteria and standards, TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads), and ecological risk assessments of aquatic systems.

AQUATOX Model Validation Reports

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

AQUATOX has a myriad of potential applications to water management issues and programs, including water quality criteria and standards, TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Loads), and ecological risk assessments of aquatic systems.

Patient navigation for breast and colorectal cancer in 3 community hospital settings: an economic evaluation.

PubMed

Donaldson, Elisabeth A; Holtgrave, David R; Duffin, Renea A; Feltner, Frances; Funderburk, William; Freeman, Harold P

2012-10-01

The Ralph Lauren Cancer Center implemented patient navigation programs in sites across the United States building on the model pioneered by Harold P. Freeman, MD. Patient navigation targets medically underserved with the objective of reducing the time interval between an abnormal cancer finding, diagnostic resolution, and treatment initiation. In this study, the authors assessed the incremental cost effectiveness of adding patient navigation to standard cancer care in 3 community hospitals in the United States. A decision-analytic model was used to assess the cost effectiveness of a colorectal and breast cancer patient navigation program over the period of 1 year compared with standard care. Data sources included published estimates in the literature and primary costs, aggregate patient demographics, and outcome data from 3 patient navigation programs. After 1 year, compared with standard care alone, it was estimated that offering patient navigation with standard care would allow an additional 78 of 959 individuals with an abnormal breast cancer screening and an additional 21 of 411 individuals with abnormal colonoscopies to reach timely diagnostic resolution. Without including medical treatment costs saved, the cost-effectiveness ratio ranged from $511 to $2080 per breast cancer diagnostic resolution achieved and from $1192 to $9708 per colorectal cancer diagnostic resolution achieved. The current results indicated that implementing breast or colorectal cancer patient navigation in community hospital settings in which low-income populations are served may be a cost-effective addition to standard cancer care in the United States. Copyright © 2012 American Cancer Society.

Evaluation of the 'Fitting to Outcomes eXpert' (FOX®) with established cochlear implant users.

PubMed

Buechner, Andreas; Vaerenberg, Bart; Gazibegovic, Dzemal; Brendel, Martina; De Ceulaer, Geert; Govaerts, Paul; Lenarz, Thomas

2015-01-01

To evaluate the possible impact of 'Fitting to Outcomes eXpert (FOX(®))' on cochlear implant (CI) fitting in a clinic with extensive experience of fitting a range of CI systems, as a way to assess whether a software tool such as FOX is able to complement standard clinical procedures. Ten adult post-lingually deafened and unilateral long-term users of the Advanced Bionics(TM) CI system (Clarion CII or HiRes 90K(TM)) underwent speech perception assessment with their current clinical program. One cycle 'iteration' of FOX optimization was performed and the program adjusted accordingly. After a month of using both clinical and FOX programs, a second iteration of FOX optimization was performed. Following this, the assessments were repeated without further acclimatization. FOX prescribed programming modifications in all subjects. Soundfield-aided thresholds were significantly lower for FOX than the clinical program. Group speech scores in noise were not significantly different between the two programs but three individual subjects had improved speech scores with the FOX MAP, two had worse speech scores, and five were the same. FOX provided a standardized approach to fitting based on outcome measures rather than comfort alone. The results indicated that for this group of well-fitted patients, FOX improved outcomes in some individuals. There were significant changes, both better and worse, in individual speech perception scores but median scores remained unchanged. Soundfield-aided thresholds were significantly improved for the FOX group.

Family-based training program improves brain function, cognition, and behavior in lower socioeconomic status preschoolers

PubMed Central

Neville, Helen J.; Stevens, Courtney; Pakulak, Eric; Bell, Theodore A.; Fanning, Jessica; Klein, Scott; Isbell, Elif

2013-01-01

Using information from research on the neuroplasticity of selective attention and on the central role of successful parenting in child development, we developed and rigorously assessed a family-based training program designed to improve brain systems for selective attention in preschool children. One hundred forty-one lower socioeconomic status preschoolers enrolled in a Head Start program were randomly assigned to the training program, Head Start alone, or an active control group. Electrophysiological measures of children’s brain functions supporting selective attention, standardized measures of cognition, and parent-reported child behaviors all favored children in the treatment program relative to both control groups. Positive changes were also observed in the parents themselves. Effect sizes ranged from one-quarter to half of a standard deviation. These results lend impetus to the further development and broader implementation of evidence-based education programs that target at-risk families. PMID:23818591

Static tests of the propulsion system. [Propfan Test Assessment program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Withers, C. C.; Bartel, H. W.; Turnberg, J. E.; Graber, E. J.

1987-01-01

Advanced, highly-loaded, high-speed propellers, called propfans, are promising to revolutionize the transport aircraft industry by offering a 15- to 30-percent fuel savings over the most advanced turbofans without sacrificing passenger comfort or violating community noise standards. NASA Lewis Research Center and industry have been working jointly to develop the needed propfan technology. The NASA-funded Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) Program represents a key element of this joint program. In PTA, Lockheed-Georgia, working in concert with Hamilton Standard, Rohr Industries, Gulfstream Aerospace, and Allison, is developing a propfan propulsion system which will be mounted on the left wing of a modified Gulfstream GII aircraft and flight tested to verify the in-flight characteristics of a 9-foot diameter, single-rotation propfan. The propfan, called SR-7L, was designed and fabricated by Hamilton Standard under a separate NASA contract. Prior to flight testing, the PTA propulsion system was static tested at the Rohr Brown Field facility. In this test, propulsion system operational capability was verified and data was obtained on propfan structural response, system acoustic characteristics, and system performance. This paper reports on the results of the static tests.

Geriatric hip fracture management: keys to providing a successful program.

PubMed

Basu, N; Natour, M; Mounasamy, V; Kates, S L

2016-10-01

Hip fractures are a common event in older adults and are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. This review examines the necessary elements required to implement a successful geriatric fracture program and identifies some of the barriers faced when implementing a successful program. The Geriatric Fracture Center (GFC) is a treatment model that standardizes the approach to the geriatric fracture patient. It is based on five principles: surgical fracture management; early operative intervention; medical co-management with geriatricians; patient-centered, standard order sets to employ best practices; and early discharge planning with a focus on early functional rehabilitation. Implementing a geriatric fracture program begins with an assessment of the hospital's data on hip fractures and standard care metrics such as length of stay, complications, time to surgery, readmission rates and costs. Business planning is essential along with the medical planning process. To successfully develop and implement such a program, strong physician leadership is necessary to articulate both a short- and long-term plan for implementation. Good communication is essential-those organizing a geriatric fracture program must be able to implement standardized plans of care working with all members of the healthcare team and must also be able to foster relationships both within the hospital and with other institutions in the community. Finally, a program of continual quality improvement must be undertaken to ensure that performance outcomes are improving patient care.

Eulerian Circles (Venn Diagrams) as model for modern economy education on the basis of Russian professional standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharonov, M. A.; Sharonova, O. V.; Sharonova, V. P.

2018-03-01

The article is an attempt to create a model built using Eulerian circles (Venn diagrams) to illustrate the methodological impact of recent Federal Law 283-FZ “On the independent evaluation of qualifications” and new Federal State Educational Standards of higher education of generation 3++ on educational process in Russia. In modern economic conditions, the ability to correctly assess the role of professional standards, as a matter of fact, some set, the degree of intersection with the approximate basic educational program and the Federal State Educational Standards becomes an important factor on which in the future will depend not only the demand of graduates in the labor market, but also the possibility of passing the professional and public accreditation of the proposed program.

"Program of Studies" and College Readiness Standards Alignment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kentucky Department of Education (NJ1), 2008

2008-01-01

In July 2006, Senate Bill 130 was passed by the Kentucky legislature. The bill amended KRS 158.6453 to include the provision that "no later than the 2007-2008 school year, and each year thereafter" the Commonwealth's assessment program shall include a high school readiness examination in grade 8, a college readiness examination in grade…

Preparing Teachers for the Common Core: Aligning Preparation Program Curricula. Ask the Team

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paliokas, Kathleen

2014-01-01

Implementing new college and career readiness standards, along with readying teachers and students for new assessments, is a monumental undertaking by multiple national, state, and local education leaders and organizations. One critical policy area for states to consider is supports for educator preparation programs to ensure that new teachers…

Prevention of Targeted School Violence by Responding to Students' Psychosocial Crises: The NETWASS Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leuschner, Vincenz; Fiedler, Nora; Schultze, Martin; Ahlig, Nadine; Göbel, Kristin; Sommer, Friederike; Scholl, Johanna; Cornell, Dewey; Scheithauer, Herbert

2017-01-01

The standardized, indicated school-based prevention program "Networks Against School Shootings" combines a threat assessment approach with a general model of prevention of emergency situations in schools through early intervention in student psychosocial crises and training teachers to recognize warning signs of targeted school violence.…

Evaluation of the Albuquerque Indian School Motivational Environment Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiat, Albert B.; And Others

In order to evaluate the impact of a token economy behavior modification program implemented from 1970-71 in the Albuquerque Indian School (AIS), a secondary institution, a five-member evaluation team assessed standardized test results, behavioral data, and student and staff attitudes. A battery of tests (Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, SRA…

76 FR 4978 - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: National Security...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-27

... of 15 and 18 at the start of the program), in intensive, substantive overseas foreign language study... the learning and use of foreign languages by creating and optimizing overseas language study..., speaking, reading and writing), as verified through pre- and post- program assessment with a standardized...

Ground-water quality assessment of the central Oklahoma aquifer, Oklahoma - Analysis of available water-quality data through 1987

USGS Publications Warehouse

Parkhurst, David L.; Christenson, Scott C.; Schlottmann, Jamie L.

1989-01-01

Beginning in 1986, the Congress annually has appropriated funds for the U.S. Geological Survey to test and refine concepts for a National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. The long-term goals of a full-scale program would be to:Provide a nationally consistent description of current water-quality conditions for a large part of the Nation's surface- and ground-water resources;Define long-term trends (or lack of trends) in water quality; andIdentify, describe, and explain, as possible, the major factors that affect the observed water-quality conditions and trends.The results of the NAWQA Program will be made available to water managers, policy makers, and the public, and will provide an improved scientific basis for evaluating the effectiveness of water-quality management programs.At present (1988), the assessment program is in a pilot phase in seven project areas throughout the country that represent diverse hydrologic environments and water-quality conditions. The Central Oklahoma aquifer project is one of three pilot ground-water projects. One of the initial activities performed by each pilot project was to compile, screen, and interpret the large amount of water-quality data available within each study unit.The purpose of this report is to assess the water quality of the Central Oklahoma aquifer using the information available through 1987. The scope of the work includes compiling data from Federal, State, and local agencies; evaluating the suitability of the information for conducting a regional water-quality assessment; mapping regional variations in major-ion chemistry; calculating summary statistics of the available water-quality data; producing maps to show the location and number of samples that exceeded water-quality standards; and performing contingency-table analyses to determine the relation of geologic unit and depth to the occurrence of chemical constituents that exceed water-quality standards. This report provides an initial description of water-quality conditions in the Central Oklahoma aquifer study unit. No attempt was made in this report to determine the causes for regional variations in major-ion chemistry or to examine the reasons that some chemical constituents exceed water-quality standards.

Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE): extending GAISE into nursing education.

PubMed

Hayat, Matthew J

2014-04-01

Statistics coursework is usually a core curriculum requirement for nursing students at all degree levels. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) establishes curriculum standards for academic nursing programs. However, the AACN provides little guidance on statistics education and does not offer standardized competency guidelines or recommendations about course content or learning objectives. Published standards may be used in the course development process to clarify course content and learning objectives. This article includes suggestions for implementing and integrating recommendations given in the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) report into statistics education for nursing students. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Evidence-based decision-making as a practice-based learning skill: a pilot study.

PubMed

Falzer, Paul R; Garman, D Melissa

2012-03-01

As physicians are being trained to adapt their practices to the needs and experience of patients, initiatives to standardize care have been gaining momentum. The resulting conflict can be addressed through a practice-based learning and improvement (PBL) program that develops competency in using treatment guidelines as decision aids and incorporating patient-specific information into treatment recommendations. This article describes and tests a program that is consistent with the ACGME's multilevel competency-based approach, targets students at four levels of training, and features progressive learning objectives and assessments. The program was pilot-tested with 22 paid volunteer psychiatric residents and fellows. They were introduced to a schizophrenia treatment guideline and reviewed six case vignettes of varying complexity. PBL assessments were based on how treatment recommendations were influenced by clinical and patient-specific factors. The task permitted separate assessments of learning objectives all four training levels. Among the key findings at each level, most participants found the treatment guideline helpful in making treatment decisions. Recommendations were influenced by guideline-based assessment criteria and other clinical features. They were also influenced by patients' perceptions of their illness, patient-based progress assessments, and complications such as stressors and coping patterns. Recommendations were strongly influenced by incongruence between clinical facts and patient experience. Practical understanding of how patient experience joins with clinical knowledge can enhance the use of treatment guidelines as decision tools and enable clinicians to appreciate more fully how and why patients' perceptions of their illness should influence treatment recommendations. This PBL program can assist training facilities in preparing students to cope with contradictory demands to both standardize and adapt their practice. The program can be modified to accommodate various disorders and a range of clinical factors and patient-specific complications.

15 CFR 280.216 - Proceeding without a hearing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS FASTENER... supplement other documentary evidence in the record. The administrative law judge will give each party...

Tracer methodology: an appropriate tool for assessing compliance with accreditation standards?

PubMed

Bouchard, Chantal; Jean, Olivier

2017-10-01

Tracer methodology has been used by Accreditation Canada since 2008 to collect evidence on the quality and safety of care and services, and to assess compliance with accreditation standards. Given the importance of this methodology in the accreditation program, the objective of this study is to assess the quality of the methodology and identify its strengths and weaknesses. A mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted to evaluate consistency, appropriateness, effectiveness and stakeholder synergy in applying the methodology. An online questionnaire was sent to 468 Accreditation Canada surveyors. According to surveyors' perceptions, tracer methodology is an effective tool for collecting useful, credible and reliable information to assess compliance with Qmentum program standards and priority processes. The results show good coherence between methodology components (appropriateness of the priority processes evaluated, activities to evaluate a tracer, etc.). The main weaknesses are the time constraints faced by surveyors and management's lack of cooperation during the evaluation of tracers. The inadequate amount of time allowed for the methodology to be applied properly raises questions about the quality of the information obtained. This study paves the way for a future, more in-depth exploration of the identified weaknesses to help the accreditation organization make more targeted improvements to the methodology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of a practice-based research program.

PubMed

Hawk, C; Long, C R; Boulanger, K

1998-01-01

To establish an infrastructure to collect accurate data from ambulatory settings. The program was developed through an iterative model governed by a process of formative evaluation. The three iterations were a needs assessment, feasibility study and pilot project. Necessary program components were identified as infrastructure, practitioner-researcher partnership, centralized data management and standardized quality assurance measures. Volunteer chiropractors and their staff collected data on patients in their practices in ambulatory settings in the U.S. and Canada. Evaluative measures were counts of participants, patients and completed forms. Standardized, validated and reliable measures collected by patient self-report were used to assess treatment outcomes. These included the SF-36 or SF-12 Health Survey, the Pain Disability Index, and the Global Well-Being Scale. For characteristics for which appropriate standardized instruments were not available, questionnaires were designed and and pilot-tested before use. Information was gathered on practice and patient characteristics and treatment outcomes, but for this report, only those data concerning process evaluation are reported. Through the three program iterations, 65 DCs collected data on 1360 patients, 663 of whom were new patients. Follow-up data recorded by doctors were obtained for more than 70% of patients; a maximum of 50% of patient-completed follow-up forms were collected in the three iterations. This program is capable of providing data for descriptive epidemiology of ambulatory patients, and, with continued effort to maximize follow-up, may have utility in providing insight into utilization patterns and patient outcomes.

Exploring Reading Growth Profiles for Middle School Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Daniel Patrick

2017-01-01

Statewide accountability programs are incorporating academic growth estimates for general assessments. This transition focuses attention on modeling growth for students with significant cognitive disabilities (SWSCD) who take alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS), as most states attempt to structure their AA-AAS…

6 CFR 27.240 - Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Chemical Facility Security Program § 27.240 Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments. (a) Review and Approval. The Department will review and... 6 Domestic Security 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Review and approval of security vulnerability...

6 CFR 27.240 - Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Chemical Facility Security Program § 27.240 Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments. (a) Review and Approval. The Department will review and... 6 Domestic Security 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Review and approval of security vulnerability...

6 CFR 27.240 - Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Chemical Facility Security Program § 27.240 Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments. (a) Review and Approval. The Department will review and... 6 Domestic Security 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Review and approval of security vulnerability...

6 CFR 27.240 - Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Chemical Facility Security Program § 27.240 Review and approval of security vulnerability assessments. (a) Review and Approval. The Department will review and... 6 Domestic Security 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Review and approval of security vulnerability...

An Overview of Exposure Assessment Models Used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

EPA Science Inventory

Models are often used in addition to or in lieu of monitoring data to estimate environmental concentrations and exposures for use in risk assessments or epidemiological studies, and to support regulatory standards and voluntary programs (Jayjock et al., 2007; US EPA, 1989, 1992)....

Program Assessment: Getting to a Practical How-To Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gardiner, Lorraine R.; Corbitt, Gail; Adams, Steven J.

2010-01-01

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International's assurance of learning (AoL) standards require that schools develop a sophisticated continuous-improvement process. The authors review various assessment models and develop a practical, 6-step AoL model based on the literature and the authors' AoL-implementation…

Early 4-week cardiac rehabilitation exercise training in elderly patients after heart surgery.

PubMed

Eder, Barbara; Hofmann, Peter; von Duvillard, Serge P; Brandt, Dieter; Schmid, Jean-Paul; Pokan, Rochus; Wonisch, Manfred

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effects on exercise performance of supplementing a standard cardiac rehabilitation program with additional exercise programming compared to the standard cardiac rehabilitation program alone in elderly patients after heart surgery. In this prospective, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients (32 men and 28 women, mean age 73.1 +/- 4.7 years) completed cardiac rehabilitation (initiated 12.2 +/- 4.9 days postsurgery). Subjects were assigned to either a control group (CG, standard cardiac rehabilitation program [n = 19]), or an intervention group (IG, additional walking [n = 19], or cycle ergometry training [n = 22]). A symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed before and after 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation. The MacNew questionnaire was used to assess quality of life (QOL). At baseline, no significant differences for peak oxygen uptake ((.)VO2), maximal power output, or the 6MWT were detected between IG and CG. Global QOL was significantly higher in IG. After 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation, patients significantly improved in absolute values of the cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6MWT, and QOL scores. Significant differences between groups were found for peak (.)VO2 (IG: 18.2 +/- 3.1 mL x kg x min vs. CG: 16.5 +/- 2.2 mL x kg x min, P < .05); maximal power output (IG: 72.2 +/- 16 W vs. CG: 60.7 +/- 15 W, P < .05); 6MWT (IG: 454.8 +/- 76.3 m vs. CG: 400.5 +/- 75.5 m, P < .05); and QOL global (IG: 6.5 +/- 0.5 vs. CG: 6.3 +/- 0.6, P < .05). The supplementation of additional walking or cycle exercise training to standard cardiac rehabilitation programming compared to standard cardiac rehabilitation alone in elderly patients after heart surgery leads to significantly better exercise tolerance.

Standardized Testing of Special Education Students: A Comparison of Service Type and Test Scores

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hogan-Young, Christine

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program Modified Academic Achievement Standards (TCAP MAAS) achievement test scores for special education students who receive their instruction in the resource classroom or in an inclusion classroom. The study involved third, fourth, and…

Assessing Faculty Experiences with and Perceptions of an Internal Quality Assurance Process for Undergraduate Distributed Learning Courses: A Pilot Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rucker, Ryan; Edwards, Karen; Frass, Lydia R.

2015-01-01

To ensure that online courses match traditional classes' quality, some institutions are implementing internal standards for online course design and quality review. The University of South Carolina created the Distributed Learning Quality Review program, based on "Quality Matters'" standards. It was designed to be faculty-guided, as…

A Risk Assessment Methodology and Excel Tool for Acquisition Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

Importance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11...readily available to an assessor at the OSD level. Questions that measure these standards are assigned (1) an importance (i.e., mag- nitude of the negative...i.e., the level to which it has been ensured that the question-related standard has been met). The sum product of the importance and completeness

Head Start: Curriculum Use and Individual Child Assessment in Cognitive and Language Development. Report to Congressional Requesters.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaul, Marnie S.; Ward-Zukerman, Betty; Edmondson, Sara; Moy, Luann; Moriarity, Christopher; Picyk, Elsie

Responding to a Congressional request, the General Accounting Office examined Head Start programs' progress since January 1998 in meeting performance standards for cognitive and language development, their use of curricula since the performance standards for children's cognitive and language development were issued, and the use of teacher…

Harming Not Helping: The Impact of a Canadian Standardized Writing Assessment on Curriculum and Pedagogy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Slomp, David H.

2008-01-01

Test-based accountability programs are designed to promote improved standards of teaching and learning within the systems of education that they are connected to. Brenan [Brenan, A. L. (2006). "Perspectives on the evolution and future of educational measurement." In: Robert (Ed.), "Educational measurement" (4th ed., pp. 1-16).…

INTASC Principles: How They Are Addressed by Five Specialty Program Association Standards. inForum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burdette, Paula

2007-01-01

The Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) principles were first developed in May 2001 by the Center for Improving Teacher Quality at the Council for Chief State School Officers. These principles were developed as standards for licensing teachers who work with students with disabilities. Both of the program…

System configuration management plan for 101-SY Hydrogen Mitigation Test Project Mini-Data Acquisition and Control System of Tank Waste Remediation System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vargo, G.F. Jr.

1994-10-11

The DOE Standard defines the configuration management program by the five basic program elements of ``program management,`` ``design requirements,`` ``document control,`` ``change control,`` and ``assessments,`` and the two adjunct recovery programs of ``design reconstitution,`` and ``material condition and aging management. The C-M model of five elements and two adjunct programs strengthen the necessary technical and administrative control to establish and maintain a consistent technical relationship among the requirements, physical configuration, and documentation. Although the DOE Standard was originally developed for the operational phase of nuclear facilities, this plan has the flexibility to be adapted and applied to all life-cycle phasesmore » of both nuclear and non-nuclear facilities. The configuration management criteria presented in this plan endorses the DOE Standard and has been tailored specifically to address the technical relationship of requirements, physical configuration, and documentation during the full life-cycle of the 101-SY Hydrogen Mitigation Test Project Mini-Data Acquisition and Control System of Tank Waste Remediation System.« less

From policy to practice: strategies to meet physical activity standards in YMCA afterschool programs.

PubMed

Beets, Michael W; Weaver, Robert G; Moore, Justin B; Turner-McGrievy, Gabriel; Pate, Russell R; Webster, Collin; Beighle, Aaron

2014-03-01

In 2011, the U.S. Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) adopted activity standards recommending that afterschool programs (ASPs) ensure all children engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily during the ASP. ASPs decide how to accomplish this standard, for which few effective strategies exist. To evaluate strategies designed to help ASPs meet the MVPA standard. Single group intervention with pretest and three follow-up measures repeated-cross-sectional design with a subsample cohort. Four large-scale YMCA ASPs, serving approximately 500 children each day. Community-based participatory development of strategies focused on modification of program schedules, professional development training, and weekly checklists to evaluate activity opportunities. Accelerometry-derived MVPA classified as meet or fail-to-meet the 30 minutes' MVPA/day standard collected over a minimum of 4 nonconsecutive days at baseline (fall 2011) and three follow-up assessments (spring 2012, fall 2012, spring 2013). Random intercept logistic regression models evaluated the probability of meeting the standard for boys and girls, separately (analyzed summer 2013). A total of 895 children (aged 5-12 years, 48.4% girls) representing 3654 daily measures were collected across the four assessments. The percentage of girls and boys meeting the MVPA standard at baseline was 13.3% and 28.0%, respectively. By spring 2013, this increased to 29.3% and 49.6%. These changes represented an increase in the odds of meeting the 30 minutes' MVPA/day standard by 1.5 (95% CI=1.1, 2.0) and 2.4 (95% CI=1.2, 4.8) for girls and boys, respectively. The strategies developed herein represent an effective approach to enhancing current practice within YMCA ASPs to achieve existing MVPA standards. Additional work is necessary to evaluate the scalability of the strategies in a larger sample of ASPs. © 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine Published by American Journal of Preventive Medicine All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a continual compliance monitoring program for dapsone in an outpatient Hansen's disease clinic.

PubMed

Fischer, J H; West, D P; Worobec, S M

1986-12-01

Guidelines for the assessment of patient compliance to dapsone were developed and evaluated. The urinary dapsone-to-creatinine (D/C) ratio following standardization by dose, ideal body weight, and time since last dose was used for assessment of compliance. Compliance standards were established in 12 patients of known compliance and confirmed prospectively in nine inpatients on 14 occasions. Compliance increased significantly among outpatients (N = 30) attending the University of Illinois Hansen's Disease Clinic from 47% at base line to 73% at 6 months and 80% at 18 months after establishing the monitoring program. In a subgroup of 18 patients, a similar increase in compliance was observed from 50% to 80%. A good therapeutic response was seen in the subgroup patients who were compliant. A poor therapeutic response was seen in the consistently noncompliant patients. These results demonstrate that use of a continual compliance monitoring program can improve patient drug compliance in an outpatient Hansen's disease clinic.

Clinical risk management approach for long-duration space missions.

PubMed

Gray, Gary W; Sargsyan, Ashot E; Davis, Jeffrey R

2010-12-01

In the process of crewmember evaluation and certification for long-duration orbital missions, the International Space Station (ISS) Multilateral Space Medicine Board (MSMB) encounters a surprisingly wide spectrum of clinical problems. Some of these conditions are identified within the ISS Medical Standards as requiring special consideration, or as falling outside the consensus Medical Standards promulgated for the ISS program. To assess the suitability for long-duration missions on ISS for individuals with medical problems that fall outside of standards or are otherwise of significant concern, the MSMB has developed a risk matrix approach to assess the risks to the individual, the mission, and the program. The goal of this risk assessment is to provide a more objective, evidence- and risk-based approach for aeromedical disposition. Using a 4 x 4 risk matrix, the probability of an event is plotted against the potential impact. Event probability is derived from a detailed review of clinical and aerospace literature, and based on the best available evidence. The event impact (consequences) is assessed and assigned within the matrix. The result has been a refinement of MSMB case assessment based on evidence-based data incorporated into a risk stratification process. This has encouraged an objective assessment of risk and, in some cases, has resulted in recertification of crewmembers with medical conditions which hitherto would likely have been disqualifying. This paper describes a risk matrix approach developed for MSMB disposition decisions. Such an approach promotes objective, evidence-based decision-making and is broadly applicable within the aerospace medicine community.

A Feasibility Assessment of Behavioral-based Interviewing to Improve Candidate Selection for a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program.

PubMed

Tatem, Geneva; Kokas, Maria; Smith, Cathy L; DiGiovine, Bruno

2017-04-01

Traditional interviews for residency and fellowship training programs are an important component in the selection process, but can be of variable value due to a nonstandardized approach. We redesigned the candidate interview process for our large pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship program in the United States using a behavioral-based interview (BBI) structure. The primary goal of this approach was to standardize the assessment of candidates within noncognitive domains with the goal of selecting those with the best fit for our institution's fellowship program. Eight faculty members attended two BBI workshops. The first workshop identified our program's "best fit" criteria using the framework of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's six core competencies and additional behaviors that fit within our programs. BBI questions were then selected from a national database and refined based on the attributes deemed most important by our faculty. In the second workshop, faculty practiced the BBI format in mock interviews with third-year fellows. The interview process was further refined based on feedback from the interviewees, and then applied with fellowship candidates for the 2014 recruitment season. The 1-year pilot of behavioral-based interviewing allowed us to achieve consensus on the traits sought for our incoming fellows and to standardize the interview process for our program using the framework of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies. Although the effects of this change on the clinical performance of our fellows have not yet been assessed, this description of our development and implementation processes may be helpful for programs seeking to redesign their applicant interviews.

Variability of pesticide detections and concentrations in field replicate water samples collected for the National Water-Quality Assessment Program, 1992-97

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martin, Jeffrey D.

2002-01-01

Correlation analysis indicates that for most pesticides and concentrations, pooled estimates of relative standard deviation rather than pooled estimates of standard deviation should be used to estimate variability because pooled estimates of relative standard deviation are less affected by heteroscedasticity. The 2 Variability of Pesticide Detections and Concentrations in Field Replicate Water Samples, 1992–97 median pooled relative standard deviation was calculated for all pesticides to summarize the typical variability for pesticide data collected for the NAWQA Program. The median pooled relative standard deviation was 15 percent at concentrations less than 0.01 micrograms per liter (µg/L), 13 percent at concentrations near 0.01 µg/L, 12 percent at concentrations near 0.1 µg/L, 7.9 percent at concentrations near 1 µg/L, and 2.7 percent at concentrations greater than 5 µg/L. Pooled estimates of standard deviation or relative standard deviation presented in this report are larger than estimates based on averages, medians, smooths, or regression of the individual measurements of standard deviation or relative standard deviation from field replicates. Pooled estimates, however, are the preferred method for characterizing variability because they provide unbiased estimates of the variability of the population. Assessments of variability based on standard deviation (rather than variance) underestimate the true variability of the population. Because pooled estimates of variability are larger than estimates based on other approaches, users of estimates of variability must be cognizant of the approach used to obtain the estimate and must use caution in the comparison of estimates based on different approaches.

The Cost and Threshold Analysis of Retention in Care (RiC): A Multi-Site National HIV Care Program.

PubMed

Maulsby, Catherine; Jain, Kriti M; Weir, Brian W; Enobun, Blessing; Riordan, Maura; Charles, Vignetta E; Holtgrave, David R

2017-03-01

Persons diagnosed with HIV but not retained in HIV medical care accounted for the majority of HIV transmissions in 2009 in the United States (US). There is an urgent need to implement and disseminate HIV retention in care programs; however little is known about the costs associated with implementing retention in care programs. We assessed the costs and cost-saving thresholds for seven Retention in Care (RiC) programs implemented in the US using standard methods recommended by the US Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Data were gathered from accounting and program implementation records, entered into a standardized RiC economic analysis spreadsheet, and standardized to a 12 month time frame. Total program costs for from the societal perspective ranged from $47,919 to $423,913 per year or $146 to $2,752 per participant. Cost-saving thresholds ranged from 0.13 HIV transmissions averted to 1.18 HIV transmission averted per year. We estimated that these cost-saving thresholds could be achieved through 1 to 16 additional person-years of viral suppression. Across a range of program models, retention in care interventions had highly achievable cost-saving thresholds, suggesting that retention in care programs are a judicious use of resources.

How EPA Protects Workers from Pesticide Risk

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA protects workers from pesticide risk through the risk assessment and risk management processes, as well as via specific worker safety programs such as the worker protection standard and other initiatives.

Measuring Intangible Assets: Assessing the Impact of Knowledge Management in the S&T Fight Against Terrorism

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

standards for assessing the value of intangible assets or intellectual capital. Historically, a number of frameworks have evolved, each with a ...different focus and a different assessment methodology. In order to assess that knowledge management initiatives contributed to the fight against...terrorism in Canada, a results-based framework was selected, customized and applied to CRTI ( a networked science and technology program to counter

Moving the worksite health promotion profession forward: is the time right for requiring standards? A review of the literature.

PubMed

Watkins, Cecilia; English, Gary

2015-01-01

Standards in any profession are adopted to assure that the individuals hired are adequately trained and the programs that they oversee are of the highest quality. Worksite health promotion should be no different from any other field. A review of the research conducted by experts in worksite health promotion is examined, along with an assessment of skills needed to ensure that wellness programs are effective and employees, their families, and even their communities are educated on the ways to best prevent chronic diseases and occupational incidences through healthy and safe behaviors. This article is consistent with Health Promotion Practice's mission and focuses on the exploration of the processes used to plan effective worksite health promotion programs, and it suggests initial discussions on whether these processes should become standards for professionals in the worksite health promotion field. © 2014 Society for Public Health Education.

Measures of follow-up in early hearing detection and intervention programs: a need for standardization.

PubMed

Mason, Craig A; Gaffney, Marcus; Green, Denise R; Grosse, Scott D

2008-06-01

To demonstrate the need for standardized data definitions and reporting for early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs collecting information on newborn hearing screening and follow-up, and types of information best collected in a standardized manner. A hypothetical birth cohort was used to show the potential effects of nonstandardized definitions and data classifications on rates of hearing screening, audiologic follow-up, and hearing loss. The true screening rate in this cohort was 92.4%. The calculated rate was between 90.0% and 96.5%, depending on the measure used. Among children documented as screened and referred for follow-up, 61.0% received this testing. Only 49.0% were documented to have been tested. Despite a true prevalence of 3.7 per 1,000 births, only 1.5 per 1,000 children were documented with a hearing loss. Ensuring that children receive recommended follow-up is challenging. Without complete reporting by audiologists to EHDI programs, accurate calculation of performance measures is impossible. Lack of documentation can lead to the overstatement of "loss to follow-up." Also, standardization of measures is essential for programs to evaluate how many children receive recommended services and assess progress toward national goals. A new survey has been implemented to collect more detailed and standardized information about recommended services.

Configuration management plan for waste tank farms and the 242-A evaporator of tank waste remediation system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Laney, T.

The configuration management architecture presented in this Configuration Management Plan is based on the functional model established by DOE-STD-1073-93, ``Guide for Operational Configuration Management Program.`` The DOE Standard defines the configuration management program by the five basic program elements of ``program management,`` ``design requirements,`` ``document control,`` ``change control,`` and ``assessments,`` and the two adjunct recovery programs of ``design reconstitution,`` and ``material condition and aging management.`` The CM model of five elements and two adjunct programs strengthen the necessary technical and administrative control to establish and maintain a consistent technical relationship among the requirements, physical configuration, and documentation. Although the DOEmore » Standard was originally developed for the operational phase of nuclear facilities, this plan has the flexibility to be adapted and applied to all life-cycle phases of both nuclear and non-nuclear facilities. The configuration management criteria presented in this plan endorses the DOE Standard and has been tailored specifically to address the technical relationship of requirements, physical configuration, and documentation during the full life cycle of the Waste Tank Farms and 242-A Evaporator of Tank Waste Remediation System.« less

Efficacy vs effectiveness trial results of an indicated "model" substance abuse program: implications for public health.

PubMed

Hallfors, Denise; Cho, Hyunsan; Sanchez, Victoria; Khatapoush, Shereen; Kim, Hyung Min; Bauer, Daniel

2006-12-01

The US Department of Education requires schools to choose substance abuse and violence prevention programs that meet standards of effectiveness. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency certifies "model" programs that meet this standard. We compared findings from a large, multisite effectiveness trial of 1 model program to its efficacy trial findings, upon which the certification was based. 1370 high-risk youths were randomized to experimental or control groups across 9 high schools in 2 large urban school districts. We used intent-to-treat and on-treatment approaches to examine baseline equivalence, attrition, and group differences in outcomes at the end of the program and at a 6-month follow-up. Positive efficacy trial findings were not replicated in the effectiveness trial. All main effects were either null or worse for the experimental than for the control group. These findings suggest that small efficacy trials conducted by developers provide insufficient evidence of effectiveness. Federal agencies and public health scientists must work together to raise the standards of evidence and ensure that data from new trials are incorporated into ongoing assessments of program effects.

Pollution technology program, can-annular combustor engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, R.; Fiorentino, A. J.; Greene, W.

1976-01-01

A Pollution Reduction Technology Program to develop and demonstrate the combustor technology necessary to reduce exhaust emissions for aircraft engines using can-annular combustors is described. The program consisted of design, fabrication, experimental rig testing and assessment of results and was conducted in three program elements. The combustor configurations of each program element represented increasing potential for meeting the 1979 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission standards, while also representing increasing complexity and difficulty of development and adaptation to an operational engine. Experimental test rig results indicate that significant reductions were made to the emission levels of the baseline JT8D-17 combustor by concepts in all three program elements. One of the Element I single-stage combustors reduced carbon monoxide to a level near, and total unburned hydrocarbons (THC) and smoke to levels below the 1979 EPA standards with little or no improvement in oxides of nitrogen. The Element II two-stage advanced Vorbix (vortex burning and mixing) concept met the standard for THC and achieved significant reductions in CO and NOx relative to the baseline. Although the Element III prevaporized-premixed concept reduced high power NOx below the Element II results, there was no improvement to the integrated EPA parameter relative to the Vorbix combustor.

John F. Kennedy Space Center, Safety, Reliability, Maintainability and Quality Assurance, Survey and Audit Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

This document is the product of the KSC Survey and Audit Working Group composed of civil service and contractor Safety, Reliability, and Quality Assurance (SR&QA) personnel. The program described herein provides standardized terminology, uniformity of survey and audit operations, and emphasizes process assessments rather than a program based solely on compliance. The program establishes minimum training requirements, adopts an auditor certification methodology, and includes survey and audit metrics for the audited organizations as well as the auditing organization.

Program Evaluation and Strategic Language Planning at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dacres, Kristen Jackson

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to formulate and conduct a needs assessment identifying which present factors may contribute to the implementation of a bilingual education program using Jamaican Sign Language and Jamaican Standard English (JEBE) at The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, a non-governmental school serving deaf children in…

Perspectives and Future Directions Concerning Fresh, Whole Foods in Montana School Nutrition Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stephens, Lacy; Byker Shanks, Carmen J.; Roth, Aubree; Bark, Katie

2015-01-01

Purpose/Objectives: To meet new USDA school meal standards, school nutrition programs may need to transition from a "heat and serve" meal preparation approach to increased scratch cooking and use of fresh, whole foods. This study aims to assess the attitudes, motivations, and barriers for Montana school nutrition professionals and key…

National best management practices monitoring summary report, program phase-in period fiscal years 2013-2014

Treesearch

Joan Carlson; Pam Edwards; Todd Ellsworth; Michael Eberle

2015-01-01

The National BMP Program provides National Core BMPs, standardized monitoring protocols to evaluate implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs, and a data management system to store and analyze the resulting monitoring data. BMP evaluations are completed by interdisciplinary teams of resource specialists and include assessments of whether BMP...

Standards of Excellence for School Nutrition Programs. A Self-Assessment Guide for School District Fiscal Policy Teams.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Dept. of Education, Sacramento.

This guide was developed for fiscal policy team members to familiarize them with district policies, processes, available data, mandated responsibilities, and other requirements essential to federal and state funded school nutrition program operations. The guide is divided into nine sections: (1) organization and administration; (2) human resources…

Suicide Ideation among Participants in an After-School Program: A Convenience Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Raymond K.; Burrola, Kimberly S.; Bryan, Carey H.

2009-01-01

This exploratory study examined differences between elementary-age youth who have considered suicide and their peers using a data set that was collected from elementary school-age children (N = 51) who participated in an after-school program. Data were collected using a standardized survey assessing daily activities, social support, self-esteem,…

An Examination of the Relationship between a Candidate's Disposition Assessments from Admission to the Program to Completion of the Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Seay, Darolyn

2017-01-01

The research focused on clarifying the responsibility of the institution preparing these individuals including but not limited to: identifying dispositions of successful teachers, evaluating those dispositions in teacher education candidates going into education, developing dispositions standards, and evaluating candidate dispositions as they…

Analyzing the Correlation between Data Usage and Student Performance on the Missouri Assessment Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Melissa A.

2012-01-01

School districts are charged with the task of improving standardized test scores and closing the gaps between specific groups of students. Numerous programs, school improvement strategies, changes in instruction and leadership have been implemented to close the gap. Data are becoming more abundant at the state, district, and school levels. Many…

[Evaluation of prerequisites programs for a HACCP plan for frozen sardine plant].

PubMed

Rosas, Patricia; Reyes, Genara

2008-06-01

Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP) are prerequisites programs for the application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system as a food safety approach during processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate GMP/SSOP prerequisites in processing line of frozen whole sardine (Sardinella aurita). The GMP compliance was verified according to a standard procedure of the Ministry for the Health of Venezuela, and the SSOP were assessed according to a checklist proposed by the FDA. GMP and SSOP were evaluated following a demerit-based approach. A percentage value was calculated and referred to as sanitary effectiveness. Results indicated that the plant had a good level of compliance with GMP from assessment of buildings and facilities, equipment and tools, hygienic requisites of the production, assurance of the hygiene quality, storage and transportation, and the percentage of sanitary effectiveness was 84%. The level of compliance for SSOP was 53,12% with demerits found in all assessed aspects consisting of inexistent guidelines, lack of control in the sanitary plan and lack of leadership in applying corrective actions. Thus, an improvement in the plant sanitation program was designed targeting SSOP.

25 CFR 36.12 - Standard III-Program needs assessment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., skills, attitudes, or concepts students are expected to exhibit upon completion of a grade level. Student educational objectives are defined as statements of more specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, or concepts...

Milestones: Critical Elements in Clinical Informatics Fellowship Programs

PubMed Central

Lehmann, Christoph U.; Munger, Benson

2016-01-01

Summary Background Milestones refer to points along a continuum of a competency from novice to expert. Resident and fellow assessment and program evaluation processes adopted by the ACGME include the mandate that programs report the educational progress of residents and fellows twice annually utilizing Milestones developed by a specialty specific ACGME working group of experts. Milestones in clinical training programs are largely unmapped to specific assessment tools. Residents and fellows are mainly assessed using locally derived assessment instruments. These assessments are then reviewed by the Clinical Competency Committee which assigns and reports trainee ratings using the specialty specific reporting Milestones. Methods and Results The challenge and opportunity facing the nascent specialty of Clinical Informatics is how to optimally utilize this framework across a growing number of accredited fellowships. The authors review how a mapped milestone framework, in which each required sub-competency is mapped to a single milestone assessment grid, can enable the use of milestones for multiple uses including individualized learning plans, fellow assessments, and program evaluation. Furthermore, such a mapped strategy will foster the ability to compare fellow progress within and between Clinical Informatics Fellowships in a structured and reliable fashion. Clinical Informatics currently has far less variability across programs and thus could easily utilize a more tightly defined set of milestones with a clear mapping to sub-competencies. This approach would enable greater standardization of assessment instruments and processes across programs while allowing for variability in how those sub-competencies are taught. Conclusions A mapped strategy for Milestones offers significant advantages for Clinical Informatics programs. PMID:27081414

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stayner, L.T.; Meinhardt, T.; Hardin, B.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health, and Mine Safety and Health Acts, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is charged with development of recommended occupational safety and health standards, and with conducting research to support the development of these standards. Thus, NIOSH has been actively involved in the analysis of risk associated with occupational exposures, and in the development of research information that is critical for the risk assessment process. NIOSH research programs and other information resources relevant to the risk assessment process are described in this paper. Future needs for information resources are also discussed.

Evaluation of Curricula Content Based on Thai Pharmacy Competency Standards

PubMed Central

Maitreemit, Pagamas; Pongcharoensuk, Petcharat; Armstrong, Edward P.

2008-01-01

Objective To evaluate the curricula content of Thai pharmacy schools based on the Thai pharmacy competency standards. Methods Course syllabi were collected from 11 pharmacy schools. A questionnaire was developed based on the Thai pharmacy competency standards. Course coordinators completed the questionnaire assessing the curricula content. Results The curricula for both the bachelor of science in pharmacy degree (BS Pharm) and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree programs included the minimum content required by the 8 competency domains. The dominant content area in BS Pharm degree programs was product-oriented material. The content ratio of patient to product to social and administrative pharmacy in the BS Pharm degree programs was 2:3:1, respectively. However, the content ratio suggested by the Thai Pharmacy Council was 3:2:1, respectively. For the PharmD programs, the largest content area was patient-oriented material, which was in agreement with the framework suggested by the Thai Pharmacy Council. Conclusions The curricula of all Thai pharmacy schools met the competency standards; however, some patient-oriented material should be expanded and some product-oriented content deleted in order to meet the recommended content ratio. PMID:18322571

How to Develop and Interpret a Credibility Assessment of Numerical Models for Human Research: NASA-STD-7009 Demystified

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Emily S.; Mulugeta, Lealem; Walton, Marlei; Myers, Jerry G.

2014-01-01

In the wake of the Columbia accident, the NASA-STD-7009 [1] credibility assessment was developed as a unifying platform to describe model credibility and the uncertainties in its modeling predictions. This standard is now being adapted by NASAs Human Research Program to cover a wide range of numerical models for human research. When used properly, the standard can improve the process of code development by encouraging the use of best practices. It can also give management more insight in making informed decisions through a better understanding of the models capabilities and limitations.To a newcomer, the abstractions presented in NASA-STD-7009 and the sheer volume of information that must be absorbed can be overwhelming. This talk is aimed at describing the credibility assessment, which is the heart of the standard, in plain terms. It will outline how to develop a credibility assessment under the standard. It will also show how to quickly interpret the graphs and tables that result from the assessment and how to drill down from the top-level view to the foundation of the assessment. Finally, it will highlight some of the resources that are available for further study.

Designing an evaluation framework for WFME basic standards for medical education.

PubMed

Tackett, Sean; Grant, Janet; Mmari, Kristin

2016-01-01

To create an evaluation plan for the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) accreditation standards for basic medical education. We conceptualized the 100 basic standards from "Basic Medical Education: WFME Global Standards for Quality Improvement: The 2012 Revision" as medical education program objectives. Standards were simplified into evaluable items, which were then categorized as inputs, processes, outputs and/or outcomes to generate a logic model and corresponding plan for data collection. WFME standards posed significant challenges to evaluation due to complex wording, inconsistent formatting and lack of existing assessment tools. Our resulting logic model contained 244 items. Standard B 5.1.1 separated into 24 items, the most for any single standard. A large proportion of items (40%) required evaluation of more than one input, process, output and/or outcome. Only one standard (B 3.2.2) was interpreted as requiring evaluation of a program outcome. Current WFME standards are difficult to use for evaluation planning. Our analysis may guide adaptation and revision of standards to make them more evaluable. Our logic model and data collection plan may be useful to medical schools planning an institutional self-review and to accrediting authorities wanting to provide guidance to schools under their purview.

Advocacy, Assessment and Accountability: Using Policy to Impact Practice in Ohio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lorson, Kevin; Mitchell, Stephen

2016-01-01

Physical education teachers and programs are affected by increasing accountability demands. The purpose of this article is to explain Ohio's journey from advocacy for state physical education academic content standards to state-level policy that led to the development of state-wide assessments and data reporting on each school's report card. The…

The MMPI-2: A New Standard for Personality Assessment and Research in Counseling Settings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butcher, James N.; Graham, John R.

1994-01-01

Highlights the application of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) in college counseling, couples counseling, medical problem assessment, military applications, personnel screening programs, and other areas. Provides a general description of the MMPI-2, discusses continuity of MMPI and MMPI-2 scales, and describes new scales…

77 FR 75173 - Comprehensive Assessment of the Process for the Review of Device Submissions; Request for Comments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-19

... performing the technical analysis, management assessment, and program evaluation tasks required to address... premarket reviews that meet regulatory review standards. 2. Analysis of elements of the review process... process. This includes analysis of root causes for inefficiencies that may affect review performance and...

Practice Brief: Assessing Impact of Inclusive Postsecondary Education Using the Think College Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Kathleen Bodisch; Getzel, Elizabeth Evans

2013-01-01

Increasingly across the United States, institutions of higher education (IHE) are offering a wide array of postsecondary educational (PSE) opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities (ID). As more students with ID aspire to college, it is incumbent upon IHEs to engage in rigorous program evaluation to assess student outcomes and…

The Sloan-C Pillars: Towards a Balanced Approach to Measuring Organizational Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeo, Kee Meng; Mayadas, A. Frank

2010-01-01

The Sloan Pillars have set the standard for university-wide online learning program assessment for more than a dozen years. In this paper, the authors propose the extension of the Pillars to corporate e-learning, offering an alternative to traditional enterprise learning assessments. Claiming that conventional methods stress individual courses or…

Exploring the Use of Technology to Support Literacy of Sixth Grade Students with Reading Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ball-Inman, Jaime Renee

2017-01-01

The degree to which the utilization of technology supports the academic achievement of sixth grade students with reading disabilities was examined using a quantitative research design. The data analysis involved the results from the Educational Technology Assessment Program to measure achievement. The Standardized Test for the Assessment of…

Finding One's Voice: The Pacesetter Model for More Equitable Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badger, Elizabeth

1996-01-01

Describes the College Board's Pacesetter Program, high school courses developed using principles of ongoing performance testing and portfolios, standards, and curriculum. The model is illustrated in a description of the Voices of Modern Culture language arts course. Argues that this assessment process has systemic validity and is more relevant to…

Programmed environment management of confined microsocieties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emurian, Henry H.

1988-01-01

A programmed environment is described that assists the implementation and management of schedules governing access to all resources and information potentially available to members of a confined microsociety. Living and work schedules are presented that were designed to build individual and group performance repertoires in support of study objectives and sustained adaptation by participants. A variety of measurement requirements can be programmed and standardized to assure continuous assessment of the status and health of a confined microsociety.

Building a computer-aided design capability using a standard time share operating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski, J.

1975-01-01

The paper describes how an integrated system of engineering computer programs can be built using a standard commercially available operating system. The discussion opens with an outline of the auxiliary functions that an operating system can perform for a team of engineers involved in a large and complex task. An example of a specific integrated system is provided to explain how the standard operating system features can be used to organize the programs into a simple and inexpensive but effective system. Applications to an aircraft structural design study are discussed to illustrate the use of an integrated system as a flexible and efficient engineering tool. The discussion concludes with an engineer's assessment of an operating system's capabilities and desirable improvements.

78 FR 12600 - VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-25

... documentation of a formal assessment on a standardized scale of any serious symptomatology or serious impairment... involved in making life decisions that will increase self-determination. (7) The measureable objectives...

36 CFR 9.86 - Application review process and approval standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program § 9.86 Application... established; and (3) Does not adversely affect the natural and cultural resources, visitor use, or...

Making Schools Work for Children in Poverty. A New Framework Prepared by the Commission on Chapter 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Commission on Chapter 1, Baltimore, MD.

This document presents the following eight-component framework of the Commission on Chapter 1 for restructuring the Chapter 1 program: (1) have states set clear, high standards for all students; (2) devise new systems for schools to assess progress toward standards; (3) inform parents about how well their children are progressing toward standards…

Making Schools Work for Children in Poverty. A New Framework Prepared by the Commission on Chapter 1. Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Commission on Chapter 1, Baltimore, MD.

This document summarizes the following eight-component framework of the Commission on Chapter 1 for restructuring the Chapter 1 program: (1) have states set clear, high standards for all students; (2) devise new systems for schools to assess progress toward standards; (3) inform parents about how well their children are progressing toward…

7075-T6 and 2024-T351 Aluminum Alloy Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forth, Scott C.; Wright, Christopher W.; Johnston, William M., Jr.

2005-01-01

Experimental test procedures for the development of fatigue crack growth rate data has been standardized by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Over the past 30 years several gradual changes have been made to the standard without rigorous assessment of the affect these changes have on the precision or variability of the data generated. Therefore, the ASTM committee on fatigue crack growth has initiated an international round robin test program to assess the precision and variability of test results generated using the standard E647-00. Crack growth rate data presented in this report, in support of the ASTM roundrobin, shows excellent precision and repeatability.

A new method for the assessment of patient safety competencies during a medical school clerkship using an objective structured clinical examination

PubMed Central

Daud-Gallotti, Renata Mahfuz; Morinaga, Christian Valle; Arlindo-Rodrigues, Marcelo; Velasco, Irineu Tadeu; Arruda Martins, Milton; Tiberio, Iolanda Calvo

2011-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Patient safety is seldom assessed using objective evaluations during undergraduate medical education. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of fifth-year medical students using an objective structured clinical examination focused on patient safety after implementation of an interactive program based on adverse events recognition and disclosure. METHODS: In 2007, a patient safety program was implemented in the internal medicine clerkship of our hospital. The program focused on human error theory, epidemiology of incidents, adverse events, and disclosure. Upon completion of the program, students completed an objective structured clinical examination with five stations and standardized patients. One station focused on patient safety issues, including medical error recognition/disclosure, the patient-physician relationship and humanism issues. A standardized checklist was completed by each standardized patient to assess the performance of each student. The student's global performance at each station and performance in the domains of medical error, the patient-physician relationship and humanism were determined. The correlations between the student performances in these three domains were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 95 students participated in the objective structured clinical examination. The mean global score at the patient safety station was 87.59±1.24 points. Students' performance in the medical error domain was significantly lower than their performance on patient-physician relationship and humanistic issues. Less than 60% of students (n = 54) offered the simulated patient an apology after a medical error occurred. A significant correlation was found between scores obtained in the medical error domains and scores related to both the patient-physician relationship and humanistic domains. CONCLUSIONS: An objective structured clinical examination is a useful tool to evaluate patient safety competencies during the medical student clerkship. PMID:21876976

Final Environmental Assessment: Solar Panel Systems at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst New Jersey

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Solar Panel Systems at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey MARCH 2012...Final Environmental Assessment : Solar Panel Systems at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst New Jersey 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM...unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 Purpose Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) Environmental Assessment (EA

Implementation of evidence-based humanitarian programs in military-led missions: part I. Qualitative gap analysis of current military and international aid programs.

PubMed

Reaves, Erik J; Schor, Kenneth W; Burkle, Frederick M

2008-12-01

A recent Department of Defense instruction mandates country-specific assessments, identification of interventions, and development of guidance for Department of Defense to plan, train, and prepare for the provision of humanitarian assistance in stability operations. It also directs the use of outcome-based measures of effectiveness and the establishment of processes facilitating transparency of information. Whereas this would align military-led projects closer to the standards of the international aid community, how this process will be developed and implemented within the military has not yet been determined. To begin developing an evidence-based program for military-led humanitarian aid, we conducted a qualitative gap analysis comparing information from a Web search of Department of Defense medical after-action reports, lessons learned, and expert interviews with the internationally accepted standards in humanitarian assistance impact assessment. There is a major gap in the ability of the Department of Defense to assess the impact of humanitarian assistance in stability operations compared with international development standards. Of the 1000 Department of Defense after-action reports and lessons learned reviewed, only 7 (0.7%) reports refer to, but do not discuss, impact assessment or outcome-based measures of effectiveness. This investigation shows that the Department of Defense humanitarian assistance operations are, historically, recorded without documentation using quantifiable health data identifying which aid activities contributed directly to desired outcomes or favorable public opinion, and rarely are analyzed for effectiveness. As humanitarian assistance operations assume an ever greater role in US military strategy, it is imperative that we investigate useful impact assessment models to meet mission directives and, more important, to maximize coordination in a necessarily integrated and cooperative development environment. These findings provide baseline knowledge for the implementation of an evidence-based impact assessment process to validate future Department of Defense humanitarian assistance operations.

Developing Statistical Models to Assess Transplant Outcomes Using National Registries: The Process in the United States.

PubMed

Snyder, Jon J; Salkowski, Nicholas; Kim, S Joseph; Zaun, David; Xiong, Hui; Israni, Ajay K; Kasiske, Bertram L

2016-02-01

Created by the US National Organ Transplant Act in 1984, the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) is obligated to publicly report data on transplant program and organ procurement organization performance in the United States. These reports include risk-adjusted assessments of graft and patient survival, and programs performing worse or better than expected are identified. The SRTR currently maintains 43 risk adjustment models for assessing posttransplant patient and graft survival and, in collaboration with the SRTR Technical Advisory Committee, has developed and implemented a new systematic process for model evaluation and revision. Patient cohorts for the risk adjustment models are identified, and single-organ and multiorgan transplants are defined, then each risk adjustment model is developed following a prespecified set of steps. Model performance is assessed, the model is refit to a more recent cohort before each evaluation cycle, and then it is applied to the evaluation cohort. The field of solid organ transplantation is unique in the breadth of the standardized data that are collected. These data allow for quality assessment across all transplant providers in the United States. A standardized process of risk model development using data from national registries may enhance the field.

A standardized patient model to teach and assess professionalism and communication skills: the effect of personality type on performance.

PubMed

Lifchez, Scott D; Redett, Richard J

2014-01-01

Teaching and assessing professionalism and interpersonal communication skills can be more difficult for surgical residency programs than teaching medical knowledge or patient care, for which many structured educational curricula and assessment tools exist. Residents often learn these skills indirectly, by observing the behavior of their attendings when communicating with patients and colleagues. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of an educational curriculum we created to teach and assess our residents in professionalism and communication. We assessed resident and faculty prior education in delivering bad news to patients. Residents then participated in a standardized patient (SP) encounter to deliver bad news to a patient's family regarding a severe burn injury. Residents received feedback from the encounter and participated in an education curriculum on communication skills and professionalism. As a part of this curriculum, residents underwent assessment of communication style using the Myers-Briggs type inventory. The residents then participated in a second SP encounter discussing a severe pulmonary embolus with a patient's family. Resident performance on the SP evaluation correlated with an increased comfort in delivering bad news. Comfort in delivering bad news did not correlate with the amount of prior education on the topic for either residents or attendings. Most of our residents demonstrated an intuitive thinking style (NT) on the Myers-Briggs type inventory, very different from population norms. The lack of correlation between comfort in delivering bad news and prior education on the subject may indicate the difficulty in imparting communication and professionalism skills to residents effectively. Understanding communication style differences between our residents and the general population can help us teach professionalism and communication skills more effectively. With the next accreditation system, residency programs would need to demonstrate that residents are acquiring these skills in their training. SP encounters are effective in teaching and assessing these skills. © 2013 Published by Association of Program Directors in Surgery on behalf of Association of Program Directors in Surgery.

Developing a multidisciplinary robotic surgery quality assessment program.

PubMed

Gonsenhauser, Iahn; Abaza, Ronney; Mekhjian, Hagop; Moffatt-Bruce, Susan D

2012-01-01

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of a novel quality-improvement (QI) program designed to incorporate multiple robotic surgical sub-specialties in one health care system. A robotic surgery quality assessment program was developed by The Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSUMC) in conjunction with The Ohio State University Medical Center Quality Improvement and Operations Department. A retrospective review of cases was performed using data interrogated from the OSUMC Information Warehouse from January 2007 through August 2009. Robotic surgery cases (n=2200) were assessed for operative times, length of stay (LOS), conversions, returns to surgery, readmissions and cancellations as potential quality indicators. An actionable and reproducible framework for the quality measurement and assessment of a multidisciplinary and interdepartmental robotic surgery program was successfully completed demonstrating areas for improvement opportunities. This report supports that standard quality indicators can be applied to multiple specialties within a health care system to develop a useful quality tracking and assessment tool in the highly specialized area of robotic surgery. © 2012 National Association for Healthcare Quality.

Accessibility of standardized information of a national colorectal cancer screening program for low health literate screening invitees: A mixed method study.

PubMed

Fransen, Mirjam P; Dekker, Evelien; Timmermans, Daniëlle R M; Uiters, Ellen; Essink-Bot, Marie-Louise

2017-02-01

To explore the accessibility of standardized printed information materials of the national Dutch colorectal cancer screening program among low health literate screening invitees and to assess the effect of the information on their knowledge about colorectal cancer and the screening program. Linguistic tools were used to analyze the text and design characteristics. The accessibility, comprehensibility and relevance of the information materials were explored in interviews and in observations (n=25). The effect of the information on knowledge was assessed in an online survey (n=127). The materials employed a simple text and design. However, respondents expressed problems with the amount of information, and the difference between screening and diagnostic follow-up. Knowledge significantly increased in 10 out of 16 items after reading the information but remained low for colorectal cancer risk, sensitivity of testing, and the voluntariness of colorectal cancer screening. Despite intelligible linguistic and design characteristics, screening invitees with low health literacy had problems in accessing, comprehending and applying standard information materials on colorectal cancer screening, and lacked essential knowledge for informed decision-making about participation. To enable equal access to informed decision-making, information strategies need to be adjusted to the skills of low health literate screening invitees. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Microbiological assessment of the Gouda-type cheese-making process in a Venezuelan industry].

PubMed

Dáivila, Jacqueline; Reyes, Genara; Corzo, Otoniel

2006-03-01

The adoption of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is necessary to assure the safety of the product in the cheese-making industry. The compliment of pre-requisite programs as Good Manufacture Practices (GMPs) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) are required before the implementation of the HACCP plan. GMPs are the standards related to equipments, tools, personnel, etc. SSOPs are the procedures related to hygiene and sanitation of the plant and workers. The aim of this study was to assess the compliment of the pre-requisite programs and the microbiological conditions of the Gouda type cheese-making process in a Venezuelan processing plant before designing a HACCP plan. Samples were: (a) raw milk, pasteurized milk, curd and ripened cheese, (b) water, (c) environment of the production areas and ripening premises, (d) equipments before and after sanitation, (e) food handlers. Microbiological analyses were done according to COVENIN standards. This study showed that even though pasteurization process was effective to kill pathogen bacteria of the raw milk and the water was safe, however there are deficient manufacture practices in the hygiene as well as in sanitation of the plant and food handlers. Prerequisite programs (GMP-SSOP) of this industry need to be well established, controlled and evaluated.

Economic value evaluation in disease management programs.

PubMed

Magnezi, Racheli; Reicher, Sima; Shani, Mordechai

2008-05-01

Chronic disease management has been a rapidly growing entity in the 21st century as a strategy for managing chronic illnesses in large populations. However, experience has shown that disease management programs have not been able to demonstrate their financial value. The objectives of disease management programs are to create quality benchmarks, such as principles and guidelines, and to establish a uniform set of metrics and a standardized methodology for evaluating them. In order to illuminate the essence of disease management and its components, as well as the complexity and the problematic nature of performing economic calculations of their profitability and value, we collected data from several reports that dealt with the economic intervention of disease management programs. The disease management economic evaluation is composed of a series of steps, including the following major categories: data/information technology, information generation, assessment/recommendations, actionable customer plans, and program assessment/reassessment. We demonstrate the elements necessary for economic analysis. Disease management is one of the most innovative tools in the managed care environment and is still in the process of being defined. Therefore, objectives should include the creation of quality measures, such as principles and guidelines, and the establishment of a uniform set of metrics and a standardized methodology for evaluating them.

Computational Modeling and Simulation of Developmental Toxicity (EuroTox 2016)

EPA Science Inventory

Standard practice for assessing developmental toxicity is the observation of apical endpoints (intrauterine death, fetal growth retardation, structural malformations) in pregnant rats/rabbits following exposure during organogenesis. EPA’s computational toxicology research program...

Understanding Cost-Effectiveness of Energy Efficiency Programs

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Discusses the five standard tests used to assess the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency, how states are using these tests, and how the tests can be used to determine the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency measures.

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program: focus groups with non-participating restaurant operators.

PubMed

Dwyer, John J M; Macaskill, Lesley A; Uetrecht, Connie L; Dombrow, Carol

2004-01-01

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurant Program is a standard provincial health promotion program. Public health units give an award of excellence to restaurants that meet nutrition, food safety, and non-smoking seating standards. The purpose of this study was to determine why some restaurant operators have not applied to participate in the program, and how to get them to apply. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 35 operators who didn't apply to participate. The analysis of responses yielded various themes. The participants' perceived barriers to participation were misunderstandings about how to qualify for the program, lack of time, concern about different non-smoking bylaw requirements, and potential loss of revenue. Their perceived facilitators to participation were convenience of applying to participate, franchise executives' approval to participate, a 100% non-smoking bylaw, flexibility in the assessment of restaurants, the opportunity for positive advertising, alternative payment for food handler training, and customer demand. Program staff can use the findings to develop and use strategies to encourage participation.

National Accreditation and Its Role in Early Education: An Analysis of Florida's Gold Seal Quality Child-Care Program and Licensing Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winterbottom, Christian; Jones, Ithel

2014-01-01

This article reports on the first Florida statewide assessment of the Gold Seal Quality Care program, accreditation, and the relationship with licensing violations. This study analyzed the differences between the Department of Children and Families Gold Seal-Accredited facilities and nonaccredited facilities by comparing the facilities and the…

A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children with ADHD: An Exploratory Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Verret, Claudia; Guay, Marie-Claude; Berthiaume, Claude; Gardiner, Phillip; Beliveau, Louise

2012-01-01

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the effects of a moderate- to high-intensity physical activity program on fitness, cognitive functions, and ADHD-related behavior in children with ADHD. Method: Fitness level, motor skills, behaviors, and cognitive functions are assessed by standardized tests before and after a 10-week training…

Substance Use and Dependency Disorders in Adolescent Girls in Group Living Programs: Prevalence and Associations with Milieu Factors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Amy J. L.; Ashare, Caryn; Charvat, Benjamin J.

2009-01-01

Fifty-three adolescent girls residing in community-based group-living child welfare programs were administered a standardized measure (SASS-2) in order to assess probability of a substance use/dependency disorder in this highly vulnerable population. Findings revealed that one third of the sample, and one half of the nonpregnant/parenting girls,…

Design of experiments enhanced statistical process control for wind tunnel check standard testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Ben D.

The current wind tunnel check standard testing program at NASA Langley Research Center is focused on increasing data quality, uncertainty quantification and overall control and improvement of wind tunnel measurement processes. The statistical process control (SPC) methodology employed in the check standard testing program allows for the tracking of variations in measurements over time as well as an overall assessment of facility health. While the SPC approach can and does provide researchers with valuable information, it has certain limitations in the areas of process improvement and uncertainty quantification. It is thought by utilizing design of experiments methodology in conjunction with the current SPC practices that one can efficiently and more robustly characterize uncertainties and develop enhanced process improvement procedures. In this research, methodologies were developed to generate regression models for wind tunnel calibration coefficients, balance force coefficients and wind tunnel flow angularities. The coefficients of these regression models were then tracked in statistical process control charts, giving a higher level of understanding of the processes. The methodology outlined is sufficiently generic such that this research can be applicable to any wind tunnel check standard testing program.

A Canadian survey of postgraduate education in Aboriginal women's health in obstetrics and gynaecology.

PubMed

Jumah, Naana Afua; Wilson, Don; Shah, Rajiv

2013-07-01

To assess Canadian obstetrics and gynaecology residents' knowledge of and experience in Indigenous women's health (IWH), including a self-assessment of competency, and to assess the ability of residency program directors to provide a curriculum in IWH and to assess the resources available to support this initiative. Surveys for residents and for program directors were distributed to all accredited obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs in Canada. The resident survey consisted of 20 multiple choice questions in four key areas: general knowledge regarding Indigenous peoples in Canada; the impact of the residential school system; clinical experience in IWH; and a self-assessment of competency in IWH. The program director survey included an assessment of the content of the curriculum in IWH and of the resources available to support this curriculum. Residents have little background knowledge of IWH and the determinants of health, and are aware of their knowledge gap. Residents are interested in IWH and recognize the importance of IWH training for their future practice. Program directors support the development of an IWH curriculum, but they lack the resources to provide a comprehensive IWH curriculum and would benefit from having a standardized curriculum available. A nationwide curriculum initiative may be an effective way to facilitate the provision of education in IWH while decreasing the need for resources in individual programs.

Using Competencies to Assess Entry-Level Knowledge of Students Graduating from Parks and Recreation Academic Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hurd, Amy R.; Elkins, Daniel J.; Beggs, Brent A.

2014-01-01

To address the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions accreditation standard 7.01.01, the Entry Level Competency Assessment was developed to measure 46 competencies in four categories needed by entry level professionals. Students rated their competence prior to beginning their senior internship. The results…

Conflicts of Time: Examining School Schedules in Secondary Agricultural Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Epps, Rebekah B.; Adams, Randy J.; Vincent, Stacy K.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine how school schedules can or cannot be justified through the perspective of student performance on state core content assessments and occupational skills standards assessments. This study utilized the Theory of Power in Education when considering school schedules as a means to student success on core content…

"Think Like a Lawyer" Using a Legal Reasoning Grid and Criterion-Referenced Assessment Rubric on IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burton, Kelley

2017-01-01

The Australian Learning and Teaching Council's Bachelor of Laws Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Statement identified "thinking skills" as one of the six threshold learning outcomes for a Bachelor of Laws Program, which reinforced the significance of learning, teaching and assessing "thinking skills" in law schools…

Technical Report of: Assessing Teacher Preparation Program Effectiveness--A Pilot Examination of Value Added Approaches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noell, George H.

2004-01-01

A preliminary set of analyses was conducted linking students to courses and courses to teachers based upon data collected by the Louisiana Department of Education's Divisions of Planning, Analysis, and Information Resources and Student Standards and Assessments. An analysis of covariance, a weighted analysis of covariance, and a hierarchical…

A comprehensive perinatal patient safety program to reduce preventable adverse outcomes and costs of liability claims.

PubMed

Simpson, Kathleen Rice; Kortz, Carol C; Knox, G Eric

2009-11-01

To achieve the goal of safe care for mothers and infants during labor and birth, Catholic Healthcare Partners (CHP; Cincinnati) conducted on-site risk assessments at the 16 hospitals with perinatal units in 2004-2005, with follow-up visits in 2006 through 2008. ON-SITE RISK ASSESSMENTS: In addition to assessing overall organizational risk, the assessments provided each hospital a gap analysis demonstrating up-to-date and outdated practices and strategies and resources necessary to make all practices consistent with current evidence and national guidelines and standards. CRITICAL ASPECTS OF CLINICAL CARE: Review of claims and near-miss data indicate that fetal assessment, labor induction, and second-stage labor care comprise the majority of risk of perinatal harm. Therefore, these clinical areas were the focus of strategies to promote safety. To promote consistency in knowledge and practice, in 2004 a variety of strategies were recommended, including interdisciplinary fetal monitoring education and routine medical record reviews to monitor ongoing adherence to appropriate practice and documentation. Success in implementing essential structural and process components of the perinatal patient safety program have resulted in improvement from 2003 to 2008 in specific outcomes for the 16 perinatal units surveyed, including reduction of perinatal harm, number of claims, and costs of claims. The program continues to evolve with modifications as needed as more evidence becomes available to guide best perinatal practices and new guidelines/standards are published. A patient safety program guided and supported by a health care system can result in safer clinical environments in individual hospitals and in decreased risk of preventable perinatal harm and liability costs.

Corporate Functional Management Evaluation of the LLNL Radiation Safety Organization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sygitowicz, L S

2008-03-20

A Corporate Assess, Improve, and Modernize review was conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to evaluate the LLNL Radiation Safety Program and recommend actions to address the conditions identified in the Internal Assessment conducted July 23-25, 2007. This review confirms the findings of the Internal Assessment of the Institutional Radiation Safety Program (RSP) including the noted deficiencies and vulnerabilities to be valid. The actions recommended are a result of interviews with about 35 individuals representing senior management through the technician level. The deficiencies identified in the LLNL Internal Assessment of the Institutional Radiation Safety Program were discussed with Radiationmore » Safety personnel team leads, customers of Radiation Safety Program, DOE Livermore site office, and senior ES&H management. There are significant issues with the RSP. LLNL RSP is not an integrated, cohesive, consistently implemented program with a single authority that has the clear roll and responsibility and authority to assure radiological operations at LLNL are conducted in a safe and compliant manner. There is no institutional commitment to address the deficiencies that are identified in the internal assessment. Some of these deficiencies have been previously identified and corrective actions have not been taken or are ineffective in addressing the issues. Serious funding and staffing issues have prevented addressing previously identified issues in the Radiation Calibration Laboratory, Internal Dosimetry, Bioassay Laboratory, and the Whole Body Counter. There is a lack of technical basis documentation for the Radiation Calibration Laboratory and an inadequate QA plan that does not specify standards of work. The Radiation Safety Program lack rigor and consistency across all supported programs. The implementation of DOE Standard 1098-99 Radiological Control can be used as a tool to establish this consistency across LLNL. The establishment of a site wide ALARA Committee and administrative control levels would focus attention on improved processes. Currently LLNL issues dosimeters to a large number of employees and visitors that do not enter areas requiring dosimetry. This includes 25,000 visitor TLDs per year. Dosimeters should be issued to only those personnel who enter areas where dosimetry is required.« less

Comparison of a computer assisted learning program to standard education tools in hospitalized heart failure patients.

PubMed

Dilles, Ann; Heymans, Valerie; Martin, Sandra; Droogné, Walter; Denhaerynck, Kris; De Geest, Sabina

2011-09-01

Education, coaching and guidance of patients are important components of heart failure management. The aim of this study was to compare a computer assisted learning (CAL) program with standard education (brochures and oral information from nurses) on knowledge and self-care in hospitalized heart failure patients. Satisfaction with the CAL program was also assessed in the intervention group. A quasi-experimental design was used, with a convenience sample of in-hospital heart failure patients. Knowledge and self-care were measured using the Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale and the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale at hospital admission, at discharge and after a 3-month follow-up. Satisfaction with the CAL program was assessed at hospital discharge using a satisfaction questionnaire. Within and between groups, changes in knowledge and self-care over time were tested using a mixed regression model. Of 65 heart failure patients screened, 37 were included in the study: 21 in the CAL group and 16 in the usual care group. No significant differences in knowledge (p=0.65) or self-care (p=0.40) could be found between groups. However, both variables improved significantly over time in each study group (p<0.0001). Both educational strategies increased knowledge and improved self-care. The design did not allow isolation of the effects of standard education usual care from CAL. Economic and clinical outcomes of both methods should be evaluated in further research. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Energy Conservation in New Building Design: An Impact Assessment of ASHRAE Standard 90-75. Conservation and Environment Buildings Programs. Conservation Number 43B.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Federal Energy Administration, Washington, DC.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), has developed a document governing energy usage in all types of new construction: ASHRAE Standard 90-75: Energy Conservation in New Building Design (ASHRAE 90). To lay the foundation for an evaluation of ASHRAE 90, the Federal Energy Administration (FEA)…

The Federal Role in Improving Elementary and Secondary Education

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

programs of teacher educa- to consider the desirability and feasibility of S. ,,,,,,, ,,,,,, ,, .,. . , .,.. . SUMMARY Xiii national academic standards and...of a volun- ceived increased scrutiny during the 1980s be- tary system of assessments to measure the cause many people believed that the academic ...critics charging that they attain, as measured by standardized tests of have little empirical validity, that they may academic knowledge. These outcomes

Federal Workforce Quality: Measurement and Improvement

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-01

explicit standards of production and service quality . Assessment Tools 4 OPM should institutionalize its data collection program of longitudinal research...include data about quirements, should set explicit standards of various aspects of the model. That is, the production and service quality . effort...are the immediate consumers service quality are possible. of the products and services delivered, and still others in the larger society who have no

Microbial Standards of Commercially Available Produce

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scotten, Jessica

2017-01-01

Limits and guidelines are set on microbial counts in produce to protect the consumer. Different agencies make specifications, which constitute when a product becomes unsafe for human consumption. Producers design their procedures to comply with the limits, but they are responsible creating their own internal standards. The limits and guidelines are summarized here to be applied to assess the microbial safety of the NASA Veggie Program.

What Currently Defines a Breast Center? Initial Data From the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers

PubMed Central

Moran, Meena S.; Kaufman, Cary; Burgin, Cindy; Swain, Sandra; Granville, Tenisha; Winchester, David P.

2013-01-01

Purpose: The definition of a “breast center” varies significantly, ranging from hospital-based or free-standing comprehensive programs to private subspecialty practices with patient resources in close proximity. This study analyzes the 2-year data of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) to assess the demographics of the types of programs seeking breast center (BC) accreditation. The results of a postaccreditation survey are also analyzed. Materials and Methods: All data (ie, Survey Application Record, on-site surveyors' reports, postaccreditation survey) for programs applying for accreditation between October 31, 2008, and October 31, 2010, were entered into a database at the American College of Surgeons headquarters. Analysis was conducted with SPSS v.19 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Results: During the initial 2-year period, 238 centers were surveyed across 41 states. With regard to the 27 standards and 17 BC components, 68% of centers had no deficiencies, 28% had ≤ 10% deficiencies, 3% had deficiencies in 11% to 29% of standards, and 2% had ≥ 30% deficiencies. The most common standards with noncompliance were accreditation for ultrasound-guided biopsy (standard 11), stereotactic biopsy (standard 10), and accrual onto clinical trials (standard 3.2). The only BC component found to be absent was survivorship program (1%). Desciptive categories were as follows: 81.5% were hospital-based centers, 13.5% were free-standing facilities, 2.5% were group practices, and 3% were “other.” There were no significant associations between descriptive category and full accreditation versus contingency or failure, or deficiencies in any one standard (all Ps > .05). On the basis of responses to the postaccreditation survey, 76% admitted making significant changes before the survey process. Conclusion: This initial analysis of the NAPBC 2-year data suggests that a wide variety of BC models adequately provide a high level of care and services for patients across the nation. PMID:23814526

The Stoplight Program: A Proactive Physical Therapy Intervention for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PubMed

Tanner, Lynn; Sencer, Susan; Hooke, Mary C

Chemotherapy may cause neuromuscular impairments that can have life-long effects. The Stoplight Program (SLP) was developed as a proactive physical therapy (PT) intervention directed at impairments in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this program evaluation, we assessed the feasibility of the SLP delivered as part of standard care and identified body function and activity patterns in patients who received the intervention. Children ages 1 to 22 years, diagnosed with ALL, received an assessment by a physical therapist as part of usual care. The SLP intervention used 3 levels to categorize the impairment levels and intensity of PT. Of the children (n = 135) screened, 46% completed 5 intervention visits and 32% completed the program and met discharge criteria. At initial assessment, 46% of children ages 1 to 5 years and 67% of children ages 6 to 22 years had abnormal motor function. Those completing the program tested within the healthy norms. Research is needed on variables that influence adherence to a PT program and the range of functional impairment and activity limitations in this population.

Evaluating Mobile Survey Tools (MSTs) for Field-Level Monitoring and Data Collection: Development of a Novel Evaluation Framework, and Application to MSTs for Rural Water and Sanitation Monitoring

PubMed Central

Fisher, Michael B.; Mann, Benjamin H.; Cronk, Ryan D.; Shields, Katherine F.; Klug, Tori L.; Ramaswamy, Rohit

2016-01-01

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) such as mobile survey tools (MSTs) can facilitate field-level data collection to drive improvements in national and international development programs. MSTs allow users to gather and transmit field data in real time, standardize data storage and management, automate routine analyses, and visualize data. Dozens of diverse MST options are available, and users may struggle to select suitable options. We developed a systematic MST Evaluation Framework (EF), based on International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) software quality modeling standards, to objectively assess MSTs and assist program implementers in identifying suitable MST options. The EF is applicable to MSTs for a broad variety of applications. We also conducted an MST user survey to elucidate needs and priorities of current MST users. Finally, the EF was used to assess seven MSTs currently used for water and sanitation monitoring, as a validation exercise. The results suggest that the EF is a promising method for evaluating MSTs. PMID:27563916

Evaluating Mobile Survey Tools (MSTs) for Field-Level Monitoring and Data Collection: Development of a Novel Evaluation Framework, and Application to MSTs for Rural Water and Sanitation Monitoring.

PubMed

Fisher, Michael B; Mann, Benjamin H; Cronk, Ryan D; Shields, Katherine F; Klug, Tori L; Ramaswamy, Rohit

2016-08-23

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) such as mobile survey tools (MSTs) can facilitate field-level data collection to drive improvements in national and international development programs. MSTs allow users to gather and transmit field data in real time, standardize data storage and management, automate routine analyses, and visualize data. Dozens of diverse MST options are available, and users may struggle to select suitable options. We developed a systematic MST Evaluation Framework (EF), based on International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) software quality modeling standards, to objectively assess MSTs and assist program implementers in identifying suitable MST options. The EF is applicable to MSTs for a broad variety of applications. We also conducted an MST user survey to elucidate needs and priorities of current MST users. Finally, the EF was used to assess seven MSTs currently used for water and sanitation monitoring, as a validation exercise. The results suggest that the EF is a promising method for evaluating MSTs.

The Roles of Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification in the NASA Standard for Models and Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zang, Thomas A.; Luckring, James M.; Morrison, Joseph H.; Blattnig, Steve R.; Green, Lawrence L.; Tripathi, Ram K.

2007-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently issued an interim version of the Standard for Models and Simulations (M&S Standard) [1]. The action to develop the M&S Standard was identified in an internal assessment [2] of agency-wide changes needed in the wake of the Columbia Accident [3]. The primary goal of this standard is to ensure that the credibility of M&S results is properly conveyed to those making decisions affecting human safety or mission success criteria. The secondary goal is to assure that the credibility of the results from models and simulations meets the project requirements (for credibility). This presentation explains the motivation and key aspects of the M&S Standard, with a special focus on the requirements for verification, validation and uncertainty quantification. Some pilot applications of this standard to computational fluid dynamics applications will be provided as illustrations. The authors of this paper are the members of the team that developed the initial three drafts of the standard, the last of which benefited from extensive comments from most of the NASA Centers. The current version (number 4) incorporates modifications made by a team representing 9 of the 10 NASA Centers. A permanent version of the M&S Standard is expected by December 2007. The scope of the M&S Standard is confined to those uses of M&S that support program and project decisions that may affect human safety or mission success criteria. Such decisions occur, in decreasing order of importance, in the operations, the test & evaluation, and the design & analysis phases. Requirements are placed on (1) program and project management, (2) models, (3) simulations and analyses, (4) verification, validation and uncertainty quantification (VV&UQ), (5) recommended practices, (6) training, (7) credibility assessment, and (8) reporting results to decision makers. A key component of (7) and (8) is the use of a Credibility Assessment Scale, some of the details of which were developed in consultation with William Oberkampf, David Peercy and Timothy Trocano of Sandia National Laboratories. The focus of most of the requirements, including those for VV&UQ, is on the documentation of what was done and the reporting, using the Credibility Assessment Scale, of the level of rigor that was followed. The aspects of one option for the Credibilty Assessment Scale are (1) code verification, (2) solution verification, (3) validation, (4) predictive capability, (5) technical review, (6) process control, and (7) operator and analyst qualification.

Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

President William Jefferson Clinton's Executive Order that each Federal agency assess safety risks to children; and ensure that policies, programs, activities, and standards address disproportionate risks. Also established the Task Force.

EPA Field Manual for Coral Reef Assessments

EPA Science Inventory

The Water Quality Research Program (WQRP) supports development of coral reef biological criteria. Research is focused on developing methods and tools to support implementation of legally defensible biological standards for maintaining biological integrity, which is protected by ...

42 CFR 482.21 - Condition of participation: Quality assessment and performance improvement program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... learning throughout the hospital. (3) The hospital must take actions aimed at performance improvement and... QIO cooperative project, but its own projects are required to be of comparable effort. (e) Standard...

42 CFR 416.43 - Conditions for coverage-Quality assessment and performance improvement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... and changes in its patient care. (c) Standard: Program activities. (1) The ASC must set priorities for... by the ASC. (2) Addresses the ASC's priorities and that all improvements are evaluated for...

A reference standard-based quality assurance program for radiology.

PubMed

Liu, Patrick T; Johnson, C Daniel; Miranda, Rafael; Patel, Maitray D; Phillips, Carrie J

2010-01-01

The authors have developed a comprehensive radiology quality assurance (QA) program that evaluates radiology interpretations and procedures by comparing them with reference standards. Performance metrics are calculated and then compared with benchmarks or goals on the basis of published multicenter data and meta-analyses. Additional workload for physicians is kept to a minimum by having trained allied health staff members perform the comparisons of radiology reports with the reference standards. The performance metrics tracked by the QA program include the accuracy of CT colonography for detecting polyps, the false-negative rate for mammographic detection of breast cancer, the accuracy of CT angiography detection of coronary artery stenosis, the accuracy of meniscal tear detection on MRI, the accuracy of carotid artery stenosis detection on MR angiography, the accuracy of parathyroid adenoma detection by parathyroid scintigraphy, the success rate for obtaining cortical tissue on ultrasound-guided core biopsies of pelvic renal transplants, and the technical success rate for peripheral arterial angioplasty procedures. In contrast with peer-review programs, this reference standard-based QA program minimizes the possibilities of reviewer bias and erroneous second reviewer interpretations. The more objective assessment of performance afforded by the QA program will provide data that can easily be used for education and management conferences, research projects, and multicenter evaluations. Additionally, such performance data could be used by radiology departments to demonstrate their value over nonradiology competitors to referring clinicians, hospitals, patients, and third-party payers. Copyright 2010 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Safe reading of chemical pathology reports: the RCPAQAP Report Assessment Survey.

PubMed

Koetsier, Sabrina; Jones, Graham Ross Dallas; Badrick, Tony

2016-06-01

Pathology reports are a vital component of the request-test-report cycle communicating pathology results to doctors to support clinical decision making. This should be done in a comprehensive, safe and time-efficient manner. As doctors may receive reports from different laboratories these goals can be achieved more readily if reports are formatted in the same way. This study evaluates the formatting of paper reports produced by Australian laboratories for numerical biochemistry results. As part of the RCPAQAP Liquid Serum Chemistry program in 2015, laboratories were invited to supply a routine paper report displaying the results. A total of 37 reports were received for analysis. These reports were assessed for variation in a range of components and, where possible, against relevant Australian standards and guidelines. In summary, there was a wide variation in most of the report components assessed including test names, result alignment, result flagging, sequence of data elements on the page, date formatting and patient name formatting. In most components there was also variation from the Standards. In order to ensure safe result transmission by printed reports there is a need to promote the adoption of current reporting standards and monitor compliance with similar external quality assurance programs. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved patient notes from medical students during web-based teaching using faculty-calibrated peer review and self-assessment.

PubMed

McCarty, Teresita; Parkes, Marie V; Anderson, Teresa T; Mines, Jan; Skipper, Betty J; Grebosky, James

2005-10-01

This study examines the effectiveness of Calibrated Peer Review (CPR), a Web-based writing development program, to teach and assess medical students' patient note-writing skills in a standardized fashion. At the end of the clerkship year, 67 medical students were divided into three groups, introduced to CPR, and instructed in patient note-writing. Students then wrote notes for three clinical cases, presented in different order to each group. After training on faculty-calibrated standards, students evaluated their peers' notes and their own notes. Trained faculty, blinded to author, order, and group, also graded student notes. Faculty gave lower scores than students, but both groups found students' scores improved significantly from the first to the third note written. Student-written patient notes improved in quality while using CPR. The program uses approaches valued in medicine (accurate peer review and self-reflection) to enhance performance.

Simulation Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residency Programs in Canada.

PubMed

Sanders, Ari; Wilson, R Douglas

2015-11-01

The integration of simulation into residency programs has been slower in obstetrics and gynaecology than in other surgical specialties. The goal of this study was to evaluate the current use of simulation in obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs in Canada. A 19-question survey was developed and distributed to all 16 active and accredited obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs in Canada. The survey was sent to program directors initially, but on occasion was redirected to other faculty members involved in resident education or to senior residents. Survey responses were collected over an 18-month period. Twelve programs responded to the survey (11 complete responses). Eleven programs (92%) reported introducing an obstetrics and gynaecology simulation curriculum into their residency education. All respondents (100%) had access to a simulation centre. Simulation was used to teach various obstetrical and gynaecological skills using different simulation modalities. Barriers to simulation integration were primarily the costs of equipment and space and the need to ensure dedicated time for residents and educators. The majority of programs indicated that it was a priority for them to enhance their simulation curriculum and transition to competency-based resident assessment. Simulation training has increased in obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs. The development of formal simulation curricula for use in obstetrics and gynaecology resident education is in early development. A standardized national simulation curriculum would help facilitate the integration of simulation into obstetrics and gynaecology resident education and aid in the shift to competency-based resident assessment. Obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs need national collaboration (between centres and specialties) to develop a standardized simulation curriculum for use in obstetrics and gynaecology residency programs in Canada.

Association of weight at enlistment with enrollment in the Army Weight Control Program and subsequent attrition in the Assessment of Recruit Motivation and Strength Study.

PubMed

Bedno, Sheryl A; Lang, Christine E; Daniell, William E; Wiesen, Andrew R; Datu, Bennett; Niebuhr, David W

2010-03-01

The ongoing obesity epidemic has made recruiting qualified Army applicants increasingly difficult. A cohort of 10,213 Army enlisted subjects was enrolled in the Assessment of Recruit Motivation and Strength (ARMS) study from February 2005 through September 2006. Overweight recruits obtained a waiver for enlistment (n = 990) if they passed a screening physical fitness test. Recruits were evaluated for enrollment into the Army Weight Control Program (AWCP) and discharged during the 15 months following enlistment. Enrollment was higher among overweight recruits than recruits who met entrance standards (men: adjusted OR = 13.3 [95% CI: 10.3, 17.2]; women: adjusted OR = 3.6 [3.3, 3.9]). Although the discharge frequency was higher in the waiver group than in those who met standards (25.4% versus 19.9%, p < 0.001), there were only 10 (0.5% of total) discharges directly attributed to weight. Granting overweight waivers through the ARMS program increases enrollment to the AWCP but has little effect on weight-related attrition.

A randomized controlled trial of the effects of transcendental meditation on quality of life in older breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Nidich, Sanford I; Fields, Jeremy Z; Rainforth, Maxwell V; Pomerantz, Rhoda; Cella, David; Kristeller, Jean; Salerno, John W; Schneider, Robert H

2009-09-01

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of the Transcendental Meditation program plus standard care as compared with standard care alone on the quality of life (QOL) of older women (>or=55 years) with stage II to IV breast cancer. One hundred and thirty women (mean age = 63.8) were randomly assigned to either experimental (n = 64) or control (n = 66) groups. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-SP), and Short-Form (SF)-36 mental health and vitality scales were administered every 6 months over an average 18-month intervention period. Significant improvements were found in the Transcendental Meditation group compared with controls in overall QOL, measured by the FACT-B total score (P = .037), emotional well-being (P = .046), and social well-being (P = .003) subscales, and SF-36 mental health ( P = .017). It is recommended that this stress reduction program, with its ease of implementation and home practice, be adopted in public health programs.

When Assessment Data Are Words: Validity Evidence for Qualitative Educational Assessments.

PubMed

Cook, David A; Kuper, Ayelet; Hatala, Rose; Ginsburg, Shiphra

2016-10-01

Quantitative scores fail to capture all important features of learner performance. This awareness has led to increased use of qualitative data when assessing health professionals. Yet the use of qualitative assessments is hampered by incomplete understanding of their role in forming judgments, and lack of consensus in how to appraise the rigor of judgments therein derived. The authors articulate the role of qualitative assessment as part of a comprehensive program of assessment, and translate the concept of validity to apply to judgments arising from qualitative assessments. They first identify standards for rigor in qualitative research, and then use two contemporary assessment validity frameworks to reorganize these standards for application to qualitative assessment.Standards for rigor in qualitative research include responsiveness, reflexivity, purposive sampling, thick description, triangulation, transparency, and transferability. These standards can be reframed using Messick's five sources of validity evidence (content, response process, internal structure, relationships with other variables, and consequences) and Kane's four inferences in validation (scoring, generalization, extrapolation, and implications). Evidence can be collected and evaluated for each evidence source or inference. The authors illustrate this approach using published research on learning portfolios.The authors advocate a "methods-neutral" approach to assessment, in which a clearly stated purpose determines the nature of and approach to data collection and analysis. Increased use of qualitative assessments will necessitate more rigorous judgments of the defensibility (validity) of inferences and decisions. Evidence should be strategically sought to inform a coherent validity argument.

Effects of a mixed media education intervention program on increasing knowledge, attitude, and compliance with standard precautions among nursing students: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Xiong, Peng; Zhang, Jun; Wang, Xiaohui; Wu, Tat Leong; Hall, Brian J

2017-04-01

Standard precautions (SPs) are considered fundamental protective measures to manage health care-associated infections and to reduce occupational health hazards. This study intended to assess the effectiveness of a mixed media education intervention to enhance nursing students' knowledge, attitude, and compliance with SPs. A randomized controlled trial with 84 nursing students was conducted in a teaching hospital in Hubei, China. The intervention group (n = 42) attended 3 biweekly mixed media education sessions, consisting of lectures, videos, role-play, and feedback with 15-20 minutes of individual online supervision and feedback sessions following each class. The control group learned the same material through self-directed readings. Pre- and posttest assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and compliance were assessed with the Knowledge with Standard Precautions Questionnaire, Attitude with Standard Precautions Scale, and the Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale, respectively. The Standard Bacterial Colony Index was used to assess handwashing effectiveness. At 6-week follow-up, performance on the Knowledge with Standard Precautions Questionnaire, Attitude with Standard Precautions Scale, and Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < .01). The hand hygiene standard in the intervention group (38 passed) outperformed the control group (23 passed) (P < .01). A mixed media education intervention is effective in improving knowledge, attitude, and compliance with SPs. Copyright © 2017 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Resident-Assisted Montessori Programming (RAMP): use of a small group reading activity run by persons with dementia in adult day health care and long-term care settings.

PubMed

Skrajner, Michael J; Camp, Cameron J

2007-01-01

Six persons in the early to middle stages of dementia ("leaders") were trained in Resident-Assisted Montessori Programming (RAMP) to lead a reading activity for 22 persons with more advanced dementia ("participants") in an adult day health center (ADHC) and a special care unit (SCU) in a skilled nursing facility. Researchers assessed the leaders' abilities to learn and follow the procedures of leading a group, as well as their satisfaction with their roles. In addition, participants' engagement and affect were measured, both during standard activities programming and during client-led activities. Results of this study suggest that persons with dementia can indeed successfully lead small group activities, if several important prerequisites are met. Furthermore, the engagement and affect of participants was more positive in client-led activities than in standard activities programming.

Retrospective Analysis of the Benefits and Impacts of U.S. Renewable Portfolio Standards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wiser, Ryan; Barbose, Galen; Heeter, Jenny

This analysis is the first-ever comprehensive assessment of the benefits and impacts of state renewable portfolio standards (RPSs). This joint National Renewable Energy Laboratory-Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory project provides a retrospective analysis of RPS program benefits and impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, air pollution emission reductions, water use reductions, gross jobs and economic development impacts, wholesale electricity price reduction impacts, and natural gas price reduction impacts. Wherever possible, benefits and impacts are quantified in monetary terms. The paper will inform state policymakers, RPS program administrators, industry, and others about the costs and benefits of state RPS programs. In particular,more » the work seeks to inform decision-making surrounding ongoing legislative proposals to scale back, freeze, or expand existing RPS programs, as well as future discussions about increasing RPS targets or otherwise increasing renewable energy associated with Clean Power Plan compliance or other emission-reduction goals.« less

Mathematics for the Student Scientist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauten, A. Darien; Lauten, Gary N.

1998-03-01

The Earth Day:Forest Watch Program, introduces elementary, middle, and secondary students to field laboratory, and satellite-data analysis methods for assessing the health of Eastern White Pine ( Pinus strobus). In this Student-Scientist Partnership program, mathematics, as envisioned in the NCTM Standards, arises naturally and provides opportunities for science-mathematics interdisciplinary student learning. School mathematics becomes the vehicle for students to quantify, represent, analyze, and interpret meaningful, real data.

Corporate compliance: framework and implementation.

PubMed

Fowler, N

1999-01-01

The federal government has created numerous programs to combat fraud and abuse. The government now encourages healthcare facilities to have a corporate compliance program (CCP), a plan that reduces the chances that the facility will violate laws or regulations. A CCP is an organization-wide program comprised of a code of conduct and written policies, internal monitoring and auditing standards, employee training, feedback mechanisms and other features, all designed to prevent and detect violations of governmental laws, regulations and policies. It is a system or method ensuring that employees understand and will comply with laws that apply to what they do every day. Seven factors, based on federal sentencing guidelines, provide the framework for developing a CCP. First, a facility must establish rules that are reasonably capable of reducing criminal conduct. Second, high-level personnel must oversee the compliance effort. Third, a facility must use due care in delegating authority in the compliance initiative. Fourth, standards must be communicated effectively to employees, and fifth, a facility must take reasonable steps to achieve compliance. Sixth, standards must be enforced consistently across the organization and last, standards must be modified or changed for reported concerns, to ensure they are not repeated. PROMINA Health System, Inc. in Atlanta, Ga., designed a program to meet federal guidelines. It started with a self-assessment to define its areas or risk. Next, it created the internal structure and assigned organizational responsibility for running the CCP. PROMINA then developed standards of business and professional conduct, established vehicles of communication and trained employees on the standards. Finally, it continues to develop evidence of the program's effectiveness by monitoring and documenting its compliance activities.

Evaluating Realized Impacts of DOE/EERE R&D Programs. Standard impact evaluation method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ruegg, Rosalie; O'Connor, Alan C.; Loomis, Ross J.

2014-08-01

This document provides guidance for evaluators who conduct impact assessments of research and development (R&D) programs for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It is also targeted at EERE program staff responsible for initiating and managing commissioned impact studies. The guide specifies how to estimate economic benefits and costs, energy saved and installed or generated, environmental impacts, energy security impacts, and knowledge impacts of R&D investments in advanced energy technologies.

Climate observing system studies: An element of the NASA Climate Research Program: Workshop report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

Plans for NASA's efforts in climatology were discussed. Targets for a comprehensive observing system for the early 1990's were considered. A program to provide useful data in the near and mid-term, and a program to provide for a feasibility assessment of instruments and methods for the development of a long-term system were discussed. Climate parameters that cannot be measured from space were identified. Long-term calibration, intercomparison, standards, and ground truth were discussed.

A model to begin to use clinical outcomes in medical education.

PubMed

Haan, Constance K; Edwards, Fred H; Poole, Betty; Godley, Melissa; Genuardi, Frank J; Zenni, Elisa A

2008-06-01

The latest phase of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Outcome Project challenges graduate medical education (GME) programs to select meaningful clinical quality indicators by which to measure trainee performance and progress, as well as to assess and improve educational effectiveness of programs. The authors describe efforts to measure educational quality, incorporating measurable patient-care outcomes to guide improvement. University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville education leaders developed a tiered framework for selecting clinical indicators whose outcomes would illustrate integration of the ACGME competencies and their assessment with learning and clinical care. In order of preference, indicators selected should align with a specialty's (1) national benchmarked consensus standards, (2) national specialty society standards, (3) standards of local, institutional, or regional quality initiatives, or (4) top-priority diagnostic and/or therapeutic categories for the specialty, based on areas of high frequency, impact, or cost. All programs successfully applied the tiered process to clinical indicator selection and then identified data sources to track clinical outcomes. Using clinical outcomes in resident evaluation assesses the resident's performance as reflective of his or her participation in the health care delivery team. Programmatic improvements are driven by clinical outcomes that are shown to be below benchmark across the residents. Selecting appropriate clinical indicators-representative of quality of care and of graduate medical education-is the first step toward tracking educational outcomes using clinical data as the basis for evaluation and improvement. This effort is an important aspect of orienting trainees to using data for monitoring and improving care processes and outcomes throughout their careers.

The mirror therapy program enhances upper-limb motor recovery and motor function in acute stroke patients.

PubMed

Lee, Myung Mo; Cho, Hwi-Young; Song, Chang Ho

2012-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the mirror therapy program on upper-limb motor recovery and motor function in patients with acute stroke. Twenty-six patients who had an acute stroke within 6 mos of study commencement were assigned to the experimental group (n = 13) or the control group (n = 13). Both experimental and control group members participated in a standard rehabilitation program, but only the experimental group members additionally participated in mirror therapy program, for 25 mins twice a day, five times a week, for 4 wks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Brunnstrom motor recovery stage, and Manual Function Test were used to assess changes in upper-limb motor recovery and motor function after intervention. In upper-limb motor recovery, the scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (by shoulder/elbow/forearm items, 9.54 vs. 4.61; wrist items, 2.76 vs. 1.07; hand items, 4.43 vs. 1.46, respectively) and Brunnstrom stages for upper limb and hand (by 1.77 vs. 0.69 and 1.92 vs. 0.50, respectively) were improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In upper-limb motor function, the Manual Function Test score (by shoulder item, 5.00 vs. 2.23; hand item, 5.07 vs. 0.46, respectively) was significantly increased in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the groups for the coordination items in Fugl-Meyer Assessment. This study confirms that mirror therapy program is an effective intervention for upper-limb motor recovery and motor function improvement in acute stroke patients. Additional research on mirror therapy program components, intensity, application time, and duration could result in it being used as a standardized form of hand rehabilitation in clinics and homes.

32 CFR 813.3 - Responsibilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., bomb damage assessment, collateral intelligence, training, historical, public affairs, and other needs. (3) Sets combat training standards and develops programs for all Air Force COMCAM personnel (includes both formal classroom and field readiness training). (4) Coordinates and meets COMCAM needs in war...

KEEP Language Research Strategy. Technical Report #14.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tharp, Roland G.; Gallimore, Ronald

This paper outlines the strategies of Kamehameha Early Education Program (KEEP) language research, and briefly reviews the findings through Spring 1974. A major research emphasis has been placed on the assessment of Standard English comptence of Hawaii school children. (CM)

DEVELOPMENT OF A FRAMEWORK FOR METALS RISK ASSESSMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Many EPA programs are faced with deciding whether and how to regulate toxic metals. These decisions range from setting regulatory standards for environmental releases, to establishing safe levels in different environmental media, to setting priorities for regulatory or voluntary...

A statewide nurse training program for a hospital based infant abusive head trauma prevention program.

PubMed

Nocera, Maryalice; Shanahan, Meghan; Murphy, Robert A; Sullivan, Kelly M; Barr, Marilyn; Price, Julie; Zolotor, Adam

2016-01-01

Successful implementation of universal patient education programs requires training large numbers of nursing staff in new content and procedures and maintaining fidelity to program standards. In preparation for statewide adoption of a hospital based universal education program, nursing staff at 85 hospitals and 1 birthing center in North Carolina received standardized training. This article describes the training program and reports findings from the process, outcome and impact evaluations of this training. Evaluation strategies were designed to query nurse satisfaction with training and course content; determine if training conveyed new information, and assess if nurses applied lessons from the training sessions to deliver the program as designed. Trainings were conducted during April 2008-February 2010. Evaluations were received from 4358 attendees. Information was obtained about training type, participants' perceptions of newness and usefulness of information and how the program compared to other education materials. Program fidelity data were collected using telephone surveys about compliance to delivery of teaching points and teaching behaviors. Results demonstrate high levels of satisfaction and perceptions of program utility as well as adherence to program model. These findings support the feasibility of implementing a universal patient education programs with strong uptake utilizing large scale systematic training programs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pilot study comparing changes in postural control after training using a video game balance board program and 2 standard activity-based balance intervention programs.

PubMed

Pluchino, Alessandra; Lee, Sae Yong; Asfour, Shihab; Roos, Bernard A; Signorile, Joseph F

2012-07-01

To compare the impacts of Tai Chi, a standard balance exercise program, and a video game balance board program on postural control and perceived falls risk. Randomized controlled trial. Research laboratory. Independent seniors (N=40; 72.5±8.40) began the training, 27 completed. Tai Chi, a standard balance exercise program, and a video game balance board program. The following were used as measures: Timed Up & Go, One-Leg Stance, functional reach, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, force plate center of pressure (COP) and time to boundary, dynamic posturography (DP), Falls Risk for Older People-Community Setting, and Falls Efficacy Scale. No significant differences were seen between groups for any outcome measures at baseline, nor were significant time or group × time differences for any field test or questionnaire. No group × time differences were seen for any COP measures; however, significant time differences were seen for total COP, 3 of 4 anterior/posterior displacement and both velocity, and 1 displacement and 1 velocity medial/lateral measure across time for the entire sample. For DP, significant improvements in the overall score (dynamic movement analysis score), and in 2 of the 3 linear and angular measures were seen for the sample. The video game balance board program, which can be performed at home, was as effective as Tai Chi and the standard balance exercise program in improving postural control and balance dictated by the force plate postural sway and DP measures. This finding may have implications for exercise adherence because the at-home nature of the intervention eliminates many obstacles to exercise training. Copyright © 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Subject Matter Assessment of Prospective Elementary School Teachers. Report of the California State University Workgroup on Assessment of Prospective Elementary School Teachers (Irvine, California, November 30-December 1, 1987). Resource Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California State Univ. and Colleges, Long Beach. Office of the Chancellor.

This publication is a guide to assessing the competence of prospective elementary school teachers in the liberal studies teacher preparation programs in California. The guide was developed as part of a statewide response to legislated entry and exit standards for teachers in elementary and secondary schools. An introduction describes the…

Suggestions for Utilizing the 2008 EPAS in CSWE-Accredited Baccalaureate and Masters Curriculums--Reflections from the Field, Part 1: The Explicit Curriculum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Petracchi, Helen E.; Zastrow, Charles

2010-01-01

In April 2008, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) issued new guidelines for Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). The 2008 EPAS shift the focus of assessment from the evaluation of program objectives to assessment of educational outcomes and student achievement of practice competencies. Major accreditation challenges for…

PDE Occupational Competency Assessment Project--1979. Final Report. Occupational Competency Evaluation Monograph, Number 10. Vocational Technical Education Research Report, Volume 17, Number 23.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Funk, Gerald W.

A project continued activity to improve the occupational competency assessment program for evaluating and certifying vocational education teachers. Development of new testing was continued by Temple University, The Pennsylvania State University, and University of Pittsburgh. Workshops for test developers were conducted to ensure standardization of…

Intelligence, IQ, Tests, and Assessments: What Do Parents Need to Know? What Should They Tell Their Kids?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Dona; Foster, Joanne

2014-01-01

Embarking on the standardized testing process often leads parents of gifted children to other questions about intelligence, tests, and assessment practices. What is intelligence? Do IQ tests measure it? Are there better ways of deciding who needs gifted programming? What can parents request by way of results and their interpretation? Should…

An Assessment of Experiential Learning of Global Poverty Issues through International Service Projects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Le, Quan V.; Raven, Peter V.

2015-01-01

Service learning has been used to supplement a standard business curriculum, but not typically in an international business context. We report the results of two short-term study abroad programs in which we incorporated service learning projects, one in Cambodia and the other in Vietnam. Our objective is to assess how we organized and delivered…

77 FR 25463 - Applications for New Awards; Enhanced Assessment Instruments Grants Program-Enhanced Assessment...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-30

... consider only applications that meet one or more of the Statutory Priorities. These priorities are... matching. 3. Other: An application from a consortium of SEAs must designate one SEA as the fiscal agent. IV... more than 45 pages, using the following standards: A ``page'' is 8.5 x 11 , on one side only with 1...

Impact of the Birkman Method Assessment on Pharmacy Student Self-Confidence, Self-Perceptions, and Self-Awareness

PubMed Central

Grant, Amy D.; Fabel, Patricia H.; Worrall, Cathy; Brittain, Kristy; Martinez, Breanne; Lu, Z. Kevin; Davis, Robert; Doran, Georgia H.; Ziegler, Bryan

2016-01-01

Objective. To identify changes in pharmacy student self-confidence, self-perceptions, and self-awareness after completing the Birkman Method assessment and training program. Methods. Survey tools were developed to evaluate students at baseline and following the co-curricular Birkman Method program. Following IRB approval, students participating in the Birkman Method program were recruited for enrollment in this survey-based study. Results. Student self-confidence was high at baseline (mean=4 out of 5) and did not significantly change after Birkman Method testing and training. Self-perceptions regarding usual and stressed communication style and behaviors and behavioral needs under stress changed significantly after Birkman Method testing and training for these endpoints. The Birkman Method intervention resulted in a significant improvement in self-awareness, as indicated by a mean self-perception accuracy score increase of 1.6 points (95% CI: 1.3-1.9). Conclusions. A Birkman Method assessment and training program is an effective self-assessment tool for students, and may be useful for accomplishing Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) 2016 Standard 4 affective domain elements, particularly self-awareness. PMID:28090097

Evaluation Criteria for Micro-CAI: A Psychometric Approach

PubMed Central

Wallace, Douglas; Slichter, Mark; Bolwell, Christine

1985-01-01

The increased use of microcomputer-based instructional programs has resulted in a greater need for third-party evaluation of the software. This in turn has prompted the development of micro-CAI evaluation tools. The present project sought to develop a prototype instrument to assess the impact of CAI program presentation characteristics on students. Data analysis and scale construction was conducted using standard item reliability analyses and factor analytic techniques. Adequate subscale reliabilities and factor structures were found, suggesting that a psychometric approach to CAI evaluation may possess some merit. Efforts to assess the utility of the resultant instrument are currently underway.

Status review of NASA programs for reducing aircraft gas turbine engine emissions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudey, R. A.

1976-01-01

The paper describes and discusses the results from some of the research and development programs for reducing aircraft gas turbine engine emissions. Although the paper concentrates on NASA programs only, work supported by other U.S. government agencies and industry has provided considerable data on low emission advanced technology for aircraft gas turbine engine combustors. The results from the two major NASA technology development programs, the ECCP (Experimental Clean Combustor Program) and the PRTP (Pollution Reduction Technology Program), are presented and compared with the requirements of the 1979 U.S. EPA standards. Emission reduction techniques currently being evaluated in these programs are described along with the results and a qualitative assessment of development difficulty.

Assessment and measurement of patient-centered medical home implementation: the BCBSM experience.

PubMed

Alexander, Jeffrey A; Paustian, Michael; Wise, Christopher G; Green, Lee A; Fetters, Michael D; Mason, Margaret; El Reda, Darline K

2013-01-01

Our goal was to describe an approach to patient-centered medical home (PCMH) measurement based on delineating the desired properties of the measurement relative to assumptions about the PCMH and the uses of the measure by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and health services researchers. We developed and validated an approach to assess 13 functional domains of PCMHs and 128 capabilities within those domains. A measure of PCMH implementation was constructed using data from the validated self-assessment and then tested on a large sample of primary care practices in Michigan. Our results suggest that the measure adequately addresses the specific requirements and assumptions underlying the BCBSM PCMH program-ability to assess change in level of implementation; ability to compare across practices regardless of size, affiliation, or payer mix; and ability to assess implementation of the PCMH through different sequencing of capabilities and domains. Our experience illustrates that approaches to measuring PCMH should be driven by the measures' intended use(s) and users, and that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate. Rather than promoting the BCBSM PCMH measure as the gold standard, our study highlights the challenges, strengths, and limitations of developing a standardized approach to PCMH measurement.

Impact of the Use of a Standardized Guidance Tool on the Development of a Teaching Philosophy in a Pharmacy Residency Teaching and Learning Curriculum Program

PubMed Central

Wesner, Amber R.; Jones, Ryan; Schultz, Karen; Johnson, Mark

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a standardized reflection tool on the development of a teaching philosophy statement in a pharmacy residency teaching and learning curriculum program (RTLCP). Pharmacy residents participating in the RTLCP over a two-year period were surveyed using a pre/post method to assess perceptions of teaching philosophy development before and after using the tool. Responses were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale to indicate level of agreement with each statement. For analysis, responses were divided into high (strongly agree/agree) and low (neutral/disagree/strongly disagree) agreement. The level of agreement increased significantly for all items surveyed (p < 0.05), with the exception of one area pertaining to the ability to describe characteristics of outstanding teachers, which was noted to be strong before and after using the tool (p = 0.5027). Overall results were positive, with 81% of participants responding that the reflection tool was helpful in developing a teaching philosophy, and 96% responding that the resulting teaching philosophy statement fully reflected their views on teaching and learning. The standardized reflection tool developed at Shenandoah University assisted pharmacy residents enrolled in a teaching and learning curriculum program to draft a comprehensive teaching philosophy statement, and was well received by participants. PMID:28970382

The School Breakfast Program strengthens household food security among low-income households with elementary school children.

PubMed

Bartfeld, Judith S; Ahn, Hong-Min

2011-03-01

The School Breakfast Program is an important component of the nutritional safety net and has been linked to positive changes in meal patterns and nutritional outcomes. By offering a breakfast, which for low-income children is available either at no cost or reduced price, the program also has the potential to increase household food security. This study examined the relationship between availability of the School Breakfast Program and household food security among low-income third-grade students by using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Kindergarten Cohort. The primary sample included 3010 students. Availability of school breakfast was assessed by surveys of school administrators. Food security was assessed by parents' reports by using the standard 18-item food security scale and considering 2 different food security thresholds. A probit model was estimated to measure the relationship between school breakfast availability and household food security while controlling for a range of other characteristics. Access to school breakfast reduced the risk of marginal food insecurity but not the risk of food insecurity at the standard threshold. That is, the program appeared beneficial in offsetting food-related concerns among at-risk families, although not necessarily in alleviating food insecurity once hardships had crossed the food insecurity threshold. Increasing the availability of school breakfast may be an effective strategy to maintain food security among low-income households with elementary school children.

[Environmental Hazards Assessment Program annual report, June 1992--June 1993]. Proposal for a new program leading to the Master of Science degree in environmental studies to be offered jointly by the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Charleston, South Carolina

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1993-12-01

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the University of Charleston, South Carolina (UCSC) propose to offer the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Studies. The proposed starting date is August 1994. The purpose of this interdisciplinary program is to offer nationally and internationally recognized graduate level training in the areas of environmental policy, science, and health risk assessment. Special emphasis will be placed on human health. Included in this proposal are a needs assessment for environmental science professionals along with employment projections and salary expectations. The Environmental Science program is described and its relationship to other programsmore » within MUSC and UCSC, as well as its relation to similar programs at other institutions are examined. Enrollment is discussed, admission requirements and standards outlined, and the curriculum is described. Academic and physical resources are examined and estimated costs are given.« less

Implementation of a Worksite Wellness Program Targeting Small Businesses

PubMed Central

Stinson, Kaylan E.; Metcalf, Dianne; Fang, Hai; Brockbank, Claire vS.; Jinnett, Kimberly; Reynolds, Stephen; Trotter, Margo; Witter, Roxana; Tenney, Liliana; Atherly, Adam; Goetzel, Ron Z.

2015-01-01

Objective: To assess small business adoption and need for a worksite wellness program in a longitudinal study of health risks, productivity, workers' compensation rates, and claims costs. Methods: Health risk assessment data from 6507 employees in 260 companies were examined. Employer and employee data are reported as frequencies, with means and standard deviations reported when applicable. Results: Of the 260 companies enrolled in the health risk management program, 71% continued more than 1 year, with 97% reporting that worker wellness improves worker safety. Of 6507 participating employees, 34.3% were overweight and 25.6% obese. Approximately one in five participants reported depression. Potentially modifiable conditions affecting 15% or more of enrollees include chronic fatigue, sleeping problems, headaches, arthritis, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Conclusions: Small businesses are a suitable target for the introduction of health promotion programs. PMID:25563536

Structure and Functions of Pediatric Aerodigestive Programs: A Consensus Statement.

PubMed

Boesch, R Paul; Balakrishnan, Karthik; Acra, Sari; Benscoter, Dan T; Cofer, Shelagh A; Collaco, Joseph M; Dahl, John P; Daines, Cori L; DeAlarcon, Alessandro; DeBoer, Emily M; Deterding, Robin R; Friedlander, Joel A; Gold, Benjamin D; Grothe, Rayna M; Hart, Catherine K; Kazachkov, Mikhail; Lefton-Greif, Maureen A; Miller, Claire Kane; Moore, Paul E; Pentiuk, Scott; Peterson-Carmichael, Stacey; Piccione, Joseph; Prager, Jeremy D; Putnam, Philip E; Rosen, Rachel; Rutter, Michael J; Ryan, Matthew J; Skinner, Margaret L; Torres-Silva, Cherie; Wootten, Christopher T; Zur, Karen B; Cotton, Robin T; Wood, Robert E

2018-02-07

Aerodigestive programs provide coordinated interdisciplinary care to pediatric patients with complex congenital or acquired conditions affecting breathing, swallowing, and growth. Although there has been a proliferation of programs, as well as national meetings, interest groups and early research activity, there is, as of yet, no consensus definition of an aerodigestive patient, standardized structure, and functions of an aerodigestive program or a blueprint for research prioritization. The Delphi method was used by a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional panel of aerodigestive providers to obtain consensus on 4 broad content areas related to aerodigestive care: (1) definition of an aerodigestive patient, (2) essential construct and functions of an aerodigestive program, (3) identification of aerodigestive research priorities, and (4) evaluation and recognition of aerodigestive programs and future directions. After 3 iterations of survey, consensus was obtained by either a supermajority of 75% or stability in median ranking on 33 of 36 items. This included a standard definition of an aerodigestive patient, level of participation of specific pediatric disciplines in a program, essential components of the care cycle and functions of the program, feeding and swallowing assessment and therapy, procedural scope and volume, research priorities and outcome measures, certification, coding, and funding. We propose the first consensus definition of the aerodigestive care model with specific recommendations regarding associated personnel, infrastructure, research, and outcome measures. We hope that this may provide an initial framework to further standardize care, develop clinical guidelines, and improve outcomes for aerodigestive patients. Copyright © 2018 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

40 CFR 257.25 - Assessment monitoring program.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Section 257.25 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) SOLID WASTES CRITERIA FOR CLASSIFICATION OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES AND PRACTICES Disposal Standards for the Receipt of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG) Wastes at Non-Municipal Non-Hazardous Waste...

Savannah River Site Environmental Report for 1999

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arnett, M.

2000-06-30

The purpose of this report is to present summary environmental data that characterize site environmental management performance, confirm compliance with environmental standards and requirements, highlight significant programs and efforts, and assess the impact of SRS operations on the public and the environment.

75 FR 33651 - Sunshine Act; Notice of Agency Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-14

... for Insurance, Interest Rate Risk Policy and Program. 4. Insurance Fund Report. 5. Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund Accounting Standard. 6. Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund Payment of Insured Shares. 7. Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund Assessment...

Zero-Based Budgeting Redux.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geiger, Philip E.

1993-01-01

Zero-based, programmatic budgeting involves four basic steps: (1) define what needs to be done; (2) specify the resources required; (3) determine the assessment procedures and standards to use in evaluating the effectiveness of various programs; and (4) assign dollar figures to this information. (MLF)

Enhancing outreach for persons with serious mental illness: 12-month results from a cluster randomized trial of an adaptive implementation strategy.

PubMed

Kilbourne, Amy M; Almirall, Daniel; Goodrich, David E; Lai, Zongshan; Abraham, Kristen M; Nord, Kristina M; Bowersox, Nicholas W

2014-12-28

Few implementation strategies have been empirically tested for their effectiveness in improving uptake of evidence-based treatments or programs. This study compared the effectiveness of an immediate versus delayed enhanced implementation strategy (Enhanced Replicating Effective Programs (REP)) for providers at Veterans Health Administration (VA) outpatient facilities (sites) on improved uptake of an outreach program (Re-Engage) among sites not initially responding to a standard implementation strategy. One mental health provider from each U.S. VA site (N = 158) was initially given a REP-based package and training program in Re-Engage. The Re-Engage program involved giving each site provider a list of patients with serious mental illness who had not been seen at their facility for at least a year, requesting that providers contact these patients, assessing patient clinical status, and where appropriate, facilitating appointments to VA health services. At month 6, sites considered non-responsive (N = 89, total of 3,075 patients), defined as providers updating documentation for less than <80% of patients on their list, were randomized to two adaptive implementation interventions: Enhanced REP (provider coaching; N = 40 sites) for 6 months followed by Standard REP for 6 months; versus continued Standard REP (N = 49 sites) for 6 months followed by 6 months of Enhanced REP for sites still not responding. Outcomes included patient-level Re-Engage implementation and utilization. Patients from sites that were randomized to receive Enhanced REP immediately compared to Standard REP were more likely to have a completed contact (adjusted OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.09-4.19, P = 0.02). There were no differences in patient-level utilization between Enhanced and Standard REP sites. Enhanced REP was associated with greater Re-Engage program uptake (completed contacts) among sites not responding to a standard implementation strategy. Further research is needed to determine whether national implementation of Facilitation results in tangible changes in patient-level outcomes. ISRCTN21059161.

Evaluation of the Military Functional Assessment Program: Preliminary Assessment of the Construct Validity Using an Archived Database of Clinical Data.

PubMed

Kelley, Amanda M; Ranes, Bethany M; Estrada, Art; Grandizio, Catherine M

2015-01-01

Several important factors must be considered when deciding to return a soldier to duty after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Premature return increases risk for not only second-impact syndrome during the acute phase but also permanent changes from repetitive concussions. Thus, there is a critical need for return-to-duty (RTD) assessment criteria that encompass the spectrum of injury and disease experienced by US soldiers, particularly TBI. To provide evidence-based standards to eventually serve as criteria for operational competence and performance of a soldier after injury. Specifically, the relationships between clinical assessments and novel military-specific tasks were evaluated. Exploratory analyses (including nonparametric tests and Spearman rank correlations) of an archived database. A total of 79 patients with TBI who participated in an RTD assessment program at a US Army rehabilitation and recovery center. Military Functional Assessment Program (to determine a soldier's operational competence and performance after TBI) tasks; Dizziness Handicap Inventory; Dynamic Visual Acuity (vestibular function); Sensory Organization Test (postural control); Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (neuropsychological screening test); Beck Depression Inventory-II; Beck Anxiety Inventory; Comprehensive Trail Making Test (visual search and sequencing); posttraumatic stress disorder checklist military version; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; Epworth Sleepiness Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire; and Military Acute Concussion Evaluation. Selected military operational assessment tasks correlated significantly with clinical measures of vestibular function, psychological well-being, and cognitive function. Differences on occupational therapy assessments, a concussion screening tool, and a self-report health questionnaire were seen between those who passed and those who failed the RTD assessment. Specifically, those who passed the RTD assessment scored more favorably on these clinical assessments. This study demonstrated convergent validity between Military Functional Assessment Program tasks and clinical assessment scores. The Military Functional Assessment Program shows promise for augmenting decision making related to RTD and soldier skills. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this program in predicting RTD success.

Military Emergency Medical Service System Assessment: Application of the National Park Service Needs Assessment and Program Audit to Objectively Evaluate the Military EMS System of Okinawa, Japan.

PubMed

Ross, Elliot M; Harper, Stephen A; Cunningham, Cord; Walrath, Benjamin D; DeMers, Gerard; Kharod, Chetan U

2017-03-01

As part of a Military Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system process improvement initiative, the authors sought to objectively evaluate the U.S. military EMS system for the island of Okinawa. They applied a program evaluation tool currently utilized by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted to evaluate the current Military EMS system in Okinawa, Japan. The NPS EMS Program Audit Worksheet was used to get an overall "score" of our assessment. After all the data had been collected, a joint committee of Military EMS physicians reviewed the findings and made formal recommendations. From 2011 to 2014, U.S. military EMS on Okinawa averaged 1,345 ± 137 patient transports annually. An advanced life support (ALS) provider would have been dispatched on 558 EMS runs (38%) based on chief complaint in 2014 had they been available. Over 36,000 man-hours were expended during this period to provide National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-accredited instruction to certify 141 Navy Corpsman as EMT Basics. The NPS EMS Program Audit Worksheet was used and the program scored a total of 31, suggesting the program is well planned and operating within standards. This evaluation of the Military EMS system on Okinawa using the NPS program assessment and audit worksheet demonstrates the NPS evaluation instruments may offer a useful assessment tool for the evaluation of Military EMS systems. Reprint & Copyright © 2017 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Assessing cumulative impacts within state environmental review frameworks in the United States

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma Zhao, E-mail: zma@nrc.umass.ed; Becker, Dennis R., E-mail: drbecker@umn.ed; Kilgore, Michael A., E-mail: mkilgore@umn.ed

Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of systematically assessing a proposed action's cumulative environmental effects in the context of past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Previous studies have examined CIA efforts at the federal level but little is known about how states assess the cumulative impacts of nonfederal projects. By examining state environmental review statutes, administrative rules, agency-prepared materials, and a national survey of the administrators of state environmental review programs, this study identifies the legal and administrative frameworks for CIA. It examines current CIA practice, discusses the relationship between CIA policy and itsmore » implementation, and explores the opportunities for improvement. The results of the study show that twenty-nine state environmental review programs across twenty-six states required the assessment of cumulative environmental impacts. More than half of these programs have adopted specific procedures for implementing their policies. Some programs assessed cumulative impacts using a standard review document, and others have created their own documentations incorporated into applications for state permits or funding. The majority of programs have adopted various scales, baselines, significance criteria, and coordination practices in their CIA processes. Mixed methods were generally used for data collection and analysis; qualitative methods were more prevalent than quantitative methods. The results also suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent environmental review policies and procedures does not always imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. Finally, this study discusses the potential for improving existing CIA processes and promoting CIA efforts in states without established environmental review programs.« less

Implementing CDIO project-based learning in training of Heat and Power engineers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boiko, E. A.; Shishmarev, P. V.; Karabarin, D. I.; Yanov, S. R.; Pikalova, A. A.

2017-11-01

This paper presents the experience and current results of CDIO standards implementation in training of bachelors in Heat and Power Engineering at Thermal Power Stations academic department in Siberian Federal University. It provides information on methodology of modernization of educational programs, curricula and programs of disciplines in transition to CDIO project-based learning technology. Preliminary assessment and analysis of lessons learned and scaling perspectives are given.

A Comparative Assessment of Knowledge Management Education Across the United States Department of Defense

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

portal, AKO. The Army is also creating Battle Command Knowledge Cells staffed with Knowledge Management Officers ( KMO ) to facilitate KM within...battle commands. To increase their effectiveness, the Army has a draft Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) document to assist KMOs in establishing and...cultivating KM programs. This draft document includes instruction on implementing a KM program in a unit, worksheets to assist KMOs with knowledge

Defense Acquisitions. Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

Selected Weapon Programs March 2007 GAO-07-406SP Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for...unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 What GAO Found United States Government Accountability Office Why GAO Did This...Joint Tactical Radio System Ground Mobile Radio (JTRS GMR) 93 JTRS Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (JTRS HMS) 95 Kinetic Energy Interceptors (KEI) 97

Watch Me Move: A Program For Parents of Young Children With Gross-Motor Delays.

PubMed

Natrasony, Candice; Teitelbaum, Debra

2016-11-01

Watch Me Move (WMM) is a 6-week parent education program for caregivers of children with gross-motor delays. The aims are to improve parent-child interaction in a gross-motor context, increase parents' knowledge of behavioral cues and gross-motor development, and decrease perceived parental stress. Forty mothers of children, 6 months to 3 years of age, with a gross-motor delay participated in a randomized control trial comparing parents who received the WMM program plus standard of care physiotherapy (n = 24) with parents whose children received standard of care physiotherapy (n = 16). Mothers who received the WMM program had significantly higher change scores on two subscales of the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS; i.e., cognitive growth fostering, and responsiveness to caregiver) and on the Parent Knowledge Questionnaire assessing knowledge of behavioral cues and gross-motor development. There were no significant group differences on the other four NCATS subscales (i.e., sensitivity to cues, response to child's distress, social emotional growth fostering, and clarity of cues) or the Parenting Stress Index. The addition of WMM to traditional physiotherapy improved aspects of mothers' ability to interact with their children and their knowledge of behavioral cues and gross-motor development.

Quality Assessment of Published Articles in Iranian Journals Related to Economic Evaluation in Health Care Programs Based on Drummond's Checklist: A Narrative Review.

PubMed

Rezapour, Aziz; Jafari, Abdosaleh; Mirmasoudi, Kosha; Talebianpour, Hamid

2017-09-01

Health economic evaluation research plays an important role in selecting cost-effective interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of published articles in Iranian journals related to economic evaluation in health care programs based on Drummond's checklist in terms of numbers, features, and quality. In the present review study, published articles (Persian and English) in Iranian journals related to economic evaluation in health care programs were searched using electronic databases. In addition, the methodological quality of articles' structure was analyzed by Drummond's standard checklist. Based on the inclusion criteria, the search of databases resulted in 27 articles that fully covered economic evaluation in health care programs. A review of articles in accordance with Drummond's criteria showed that the majority of studies had flaws. The most common methodological weakness in the articles was in terms of cost calculation and valuation. Considering such methodological faults in these studies, it is anticipated that these studies would not provide an appropriate feedback to policy makers to allocate health care resources correctly and select suitable cost-effective interventions. Therefore, researchers are required to comply with the standard guidelines in order to better execute and report on economic evaluation studies.

Quality Assessment of Published Articles in Iranian Journals Related to Economic Evaluation in Health Care Programs Based on Drummond’s Checklist: A Narrative Review

PubMed Central

Rezapour, Aziz; Jafari, Abdosaleh; Mirmasoudi, Kosha; Talebianpour, Hamid

2017-01-01

Health economic evaluation research plays an important role in selecting cost-effective interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of published articles in Iranian journals related to economic evaluation in health care programs based on Drummond’s checklist in terms of numbers, features, and quality. In the present review study, published articles (Persian and English) in Iranian journals related to economic evaluation in health care programs were searched using electronic databases. In addition, the methodological quality of articles’ structure was analyzed by Drummond’s standard checklist. Based on the inclusion criteria, the search of databases resulted in 27 articles that fully covered economic evaluation in health care programs. A review of articles in accordance with Drummond’s criteria showed that the majority of studies had flaws. The most common methodological weakness in the articles was in terms of cost calculation and valuation. Considering such methodological faults in these studies, it is anticipated that these studies would not provide an appropriate feedback to policy makers to allocate health care resources correctly and select suitable cost-effective interventions. Therefore, researchers are required to comply with the standard guidelines in order to better execute and report on economic evaluation studies. PMID:29234174

Micro-costing in public health economics: steps towards a standardized framework, using the incredible years toddler parenting program as a worked example.

PubMed

Charles, J M; Edwards, R T; Bywater, T; Hutchings, J

2013-08-01

Complex interventions, such as parenting programs, are rarely evaluated from a public sector, multi-agency perspective. An exception is the Incredible Years (IY) Basic Parenting Program; which has a growing clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence base for preventing or reducing children's conduct problems. The aim of this paper was to provide a micro-costing framework for use by future researchers, by micro-costing the 12-session IY Toddler Parenting Program from a public sector, multi-agency perspective. This micro-costing was undertaken as part of a community-based randomized controlled trial of the program in disadvantaged Flying Start areas in Wales, U.K. Program delivery costs were collected by group leader cost diaries. Training and supervision costs were recorded. Sensitivity analysis assessed the effects of a London cost weighting and group size. Costs were reported in 2008/2009 pounds sterling. Direct program initial set-up costs were £3305.73; recurrent delivery costs for the program based on eight parents attending a group were £752.63 per child, falling to £633.61 based on 10 parents. Under research contexts (with weekly supervision) delivery costs were £1509.28 per child based on eight parents, falling to £1238.94 per child based on 10 parents. When applying a London weighting, overall program costs increased in all contexts. Costs at a micro-level must be accurately calculated to conduct meaningful cost-effectiveness/cost-benefit analysis. A standardized framework for assessing costs is needed; this paper outlines a suggested framework. In prevention science it is important for decision makers to be aware of intervention costs in order to allocate scarce resources effectively.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-U.S. Public Health Service Health Evaluation and Enhancement Program - Summary of results.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durbeck, D. C.; Heinzelmann, F.; Schacter, J.; Haskell, W. L.; Payne, G. H.; Moxley, R. T., III; Nemiroff, M.; Limoncelli, D. D.; Arnoldi, L. B.; Fox, S. M., III

1972-01-01

An exercise program was initiated in a federal agency to assess the feasibility of such a program, and to identify the factors that influenced joining, adherence to, and effectiveness of the program. The program was utilized by 237 of the 998 eligible federal employees; mean attendance rate was 1.3 days/week. Those who volunteered perceived a need for increased physical activity, believed they had sufficient time to participate and derived subjective as well as objective benefits. Significant improvements were found in heart rate response to the standard exercise test, body weight, skinfold measurements and triglyceride levels.

Self-Assessment: A Review of the Literature and Pedagogical Strategies for Its Promotion in Dental Education.

PubMed

Gadbury-Amyot, Cynthia C; Woldt, Janet L; Siruta-Austin, Kylie J

2015-12-01

In response to several publications drawing attention to self-assessment and revised Commission on Dental Accreditation standards that state graduates should possess and demonstrate the ability to self-assess, dental hygiene and pre-doctoral dental programs find themselves searching for ways in which to incorporate self-assessment practices into the curriculum. Research indicates that students are often not familiar with self-assessment strategies nor are they effective at self-assessment upon entering professional programs. Therefore, students must be taught strategies to self-assess and be given opportunities to practice and refine these skills. Opportunities to develop and demonstrate self-assessment skills can be incorporated across the curriculum at the classroom level and at the global level. Both the A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry utilize a capstone portfolio project to incorporate self-assessment throughout the curriculum. By combining artifacts from their dental and dental hygiene school experience with reflective writing essays, students can demonstrate attainment of program competencies. As more faculty members and students become involved and engaged in assessment strategies such as portfolios, they are also gaining a greater appreciation for the value of self-assessment. Copyright © 2015 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Patient Satisfaction With Pharmacist-Led Chronic Disease State Management Programs.

PubMed

Schuessler, Tyler J; Ruisinger, Janelle F; Hare, Sarah E; Prohaska, Emily S; Melton, Brittany L

2016-10-01

To assess patient satisfaction, perception of self-management, and perception of disease state knowledge with pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular disease state management (DSM) programs. A self-insured chain of grocery store pharmacies in the Kansas City metropolitan area administers pharmacist-led diabetes and cardiovascular DSM programs for eligible employees and dependents. A modified version of the Diabetes Disease State Management Questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with the DSM programs. Demographic information was also collected. Survey items were based on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree). Patients were eligible to complete the survey if he or she had been in at least 1 DSM program for 6 months. Data were assessed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Across 20 pharmacies, 281 eligible participants were identified, and 46% (n = 128) completed a survey. Means for summed items relating to overall satisfaction (8 items), self-management (5 items), and knowledge (4 items) were 36.6/40 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.9), 20.9/25 (SD = 3.4), and 17.6/20 (SD = 2.1), respectively. Participant comments further indicated that the program and pharmacists are helpful and increase motivation and accountability. Positive patient responses to the program support use of pharmacist-led DSM programs. © The Author(s) 2015.

IEC 61511 and the capital project process--a protective management system approach.

PubMed

Summers, Angela E

2006-03-17

This year, the process industry has reached an important milestone in process safety-the acceptance of an internationally recognized standard for safety instrumented systems (SIS). This standard, IEC 61511, documents good engineering practice for the assessment, design, operation, maintenance, and management of SISs. The foundation of the standard is established by several requirements in Part 1, Clauses 5-7, which cover the development of a management system aimed at ensuring that functional safety is achieved. The management system includes a quality assurance process for the entire SIS lifecycle, requiring the development of procedures, identification of resources and acquisition of tools. For maximum benefit, the deliverables and quality control checks required by the standard should be integrated into the capital project process, addressing safety, environmental, plant productivity, and asset protection. Industry has become inundated with a multitude of programs focusing on safety, quality, and cost performance. This paper introduces a protective management system, which builds upon the work process identified in IEC 61511. Typical capital project phases are integrated with the management system to yield one comprehensive program to efficiently manage process risk. Finally, the paper highlights areas where internal practices or guidelines should be developed to improve program performance and cost effectiveness.

Physical therapy vs. internet-based exercise training (PATH-IN) for patients with knee osteoarthritis: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Williams, Quinn I; Gunn, Alexander H; Beaulieu, John E; Benas, Bernadette C; Buley, Bruce; Callahan, Leigh F; Cantrell, John; Genova, Andrew P; Golightly, Yvonne M; Goode, Adam P; Gridley, Christopher I; Gross, Michael T; Heiderscheit, Bryan C; Hill, Carla H; Huffman, Kim M; Kline, Aaron; Schwartz, Todd A; Allen, Kelli D

2015-09-28

Physical activity improves pain and function among individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA), but most people with this condition are inactive. Physical therapists play a key role in helping people with knee OA to increase appropriate physical activity. However, health care access issues, financial constraints, and other factors impede some patients from receiving physical therapy (PT) for knee OA. A need exists to develop and evaluate other methods to provide physical activity instruction and support to people with knee OA. This study is examining the effectiveness of an internet-based exercise training (IBET) program designed for knee OA, designed by physical therapists and other clinicians. This is a randomized controlled trial of 350 participants with symptomatic knee OA, allocated to three groups: IBET, standard PT, and a wait list (WL) control group (in a 2:2:1 ratio, respectively). The study was funded by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, which conducted a peer review of the proposal. The IBET program provides patients with a tailored exercise program (based on functional level, symptoms, and current activity), video demonstrations of exercises, and guidance for appropriate exercise progression. The PT group receives up to 8 individual visits with a physical therapist, mirroring standard practice for knee OA and with an emphasis on a home exercise program. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 4 months (primary time point) and 12 months (to assess maintenance of treatment effects). The primary outcome is the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and secondary outcomes include objective physical function, satisfaction with physical function, physical activity, depressive symptoms and global assessment of change. Linear mixed models will be used to compare both the IBET and standard PT groups to the WL control group, examine whether IBET is non-inferior to PT (a treatment that has an established evidence base for knee OA), and explore whether participant characteristics are associated with differential effects of IBET and/or standard PT. This research is in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The IBET program could be disseminated widely at relatively low cost and could be an important resource for helping patients with knee OA to adopt and maintain appropriate physical activity. This trial will provide an important evaluation of the effectiveness of this IBET program for knee OA. NCT02312713.

A Risk Assessment Model for Reduced Aircraft Separation: A Quantitative Method to Evaluate the Safety of Free Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cassell, Rick; Smith, Alex; Connors, Mary; Wojciech, Jack; Rosekind, Mark R. (Technical Monitor)

1996-01-01

As new technologies and procedures are introduced into the National Airspace System, whether they are intended to improve efficiency, capacity, or safety level, the quantification of potential changes in safety levels is of vital concern. Applications of technology can improve safety levels and allow the reduction of separation standards. An excellent example is the Precision Runway Monitor (PRM). By taking advantage of the surveillance and display advances of PRM, airports can run instrument parallel approaches to runways separated by 3400 feet with the same level of safety as parallel approaches to runways separated by 4300 feet using the standard technology. Despite a wealth of information from flight operations and testing programs, there is no readily quantifiable relationship between numerical safety levels and the separation standards that apply to aircraft on final approach. This paper presents a modeling approach to quantify the risk associated with reducing separation on final approach. Reducing aircraft separation, both laterally and longitudinally, has been the goal of several aviation R&D programs over the past several years. Many of these programs have focused on technological solutions to improve navigation accuracy, surveillance accuracy, aircraft situational awareness, controller situational awareness, and other technical and operational factors that are vital to maintaining flight safety. The risk assessment model relates different types of potential aircraft accidents and incidents and their contribution to overall accident risk. The framework links accident risks to a hierarchy of failsafe mechanisms characterized by procedures and interventions. The model will be used to assess the overall level of safety associated with reducing separation standards and the introduction of new technology and procedures, as envisaged under the Free Flight concept. The model framework can be applied to various aircraft scenarios, including parallel and in-trail approaches. This research was performed under contract to NASA and in cooperation with the FAA's Safety Division (ASY).

Identifying elder abuse & neglect among family caregiving dyads: A cross sectional study of psychometric properties of the QualCare scale.

PubMed

Pickering, Carolyn E Z; Ridenour, Kimberly; Salaysay, Zachary; Reyes-Gastelum, David; Pierce, Steven J

2017-04-01

Universal screening for elder abuse and neglect is a current controversy in geriatrics, fueled by the lack of evidence on valid and reliable instruments. Since each U.S. State and many other countries have their own legal definitions of what constitutes elder abuse and neglect, this further complicates instrument development and clinical assessment. The purpose of this paper is to present data on the sensitivity and specificity of the QualCare Scale, an instrument with utility in detecting clinically significant elder abuse and neglect among older adults receiving care at home. Data used in this analysis were collected during a training program in which trainees completed assessments (N=80) of standardized case scenarios of caregiving dyads. Trainees completed the QualCare Scale during each assessment. This training program, including the assessments of the standardized case scenarios, was completed using a custom designed virtual-reality platform. Trainees were able to interact with the environment, older adult and caregiver within the case scenario. Thirty-six nurses and social workers from two Michigan Medicaid Waiver Sites participated in the training program. Each participant assessed between one and five scenarios, yielding the sample of 80 assessments used in this analysis. The research team designed each standardized case scenario to reflect whether or not the QualCare Scale subscale score should indicate reportable elder abuse and neglect per the State statute. Accordingly, the research team's QualCare Scale scores for each scenario were used as the gold standard criterion of clinical significance for comparison against the participant's assessment scores. Sensitivity and specificity for each of the six QualCare subscales was determined. Overall, the subscales had high sensitivity (≥0.811) but a wide range for specificity (0.167-1.000). The QualCare Scale can be an effective tool in detecting clinically significant elder abuse and neglect among older adults receiving care at home. This tool is suitable and feasible for use by practitioners working in home care. The QualCare Scale score indicating clinically significant or reportable elder abuse and neglect can be raised or lowered to be consistent with State or Country statutes, or simply used to create appropriate care plans to support caregiving. Findings from the QualCare Scale can support the multidisciplinary team in planning for and evaluating preventative interventions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Community-based exercise programs as a strategy to optimize function in chronic disease: a systematic review.

PubMed

Desveaux, Laura; Beauchamp, Marla; Goldstein, Roger; Brooks, Dina

2014-03-01

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Preliminary evidence suggests that community-based exercise (CBE) improves functional capacity (FC) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). To describe the structure and delivery of CBE programs for chronic disease populations and compare their impact on FC and HRQL to standard care. Randomized trials examining CBE programs for individuals with stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were identified. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.1. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42012002786). Sixteen studies (2198 individuals, mean age 66.8±4.9 y) were included to describe program structures, which were comparable in their design and components, irrespective of the chronic disease. Aerobic exercise and resistance training were the primary interventions in 85% of studies. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The weighted mean difference for FC, evaluated using the 6-minute walk test, was 41.7 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.5-62.8). The standardized mean difference for all FC measures was 0.18 (95% CI, 0.05-0.3). The standardized mean difference for the physical component of HRQL measures was 0.21 (95% CI, 0.05-0.4) and 0.38 (95% CI, 0.04-0.7) for the total score. CBE programs across chronic disease populations have similar structures. These programs appear superior to standard care with respect to optimizing FC and HRQL in individuals with osteoarthritis; however, the effect beyond this population is unknown. Long-term sustainability of these programs remains to be established.

Modes of Instruction for K-12 School Leadership Candidate Coursework and Internship Preparation in the ISLLC Standards and Candidate Gender and Candidate Scores of New York State Licensure Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markson, Craig

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between K-12 school leadership program graduates' descriptions of their coursework and internship preparedness in the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards among three modes of instruction (online, hybrid, and face-to-face) and their scores on Parts I and II…

Teacher Education Follow-Up Study 2001: A Summary of First and Second Year Teachers, and their Employers with Respect to the State of Missouri Standards.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zelazek, John R.; Williams, Wayne W.; McAdams, Charles; Palmer, Kyle

This report represents the thirteenth Follow-Up Study by the Teacher Education Assessment Committee (TEAC) at Central Missouri State University. TEAC is a centralized system of data collection and assessment that solicits input from Central's professional education faculty, preservice teachers, program graduates, employers of teachers prepared at…

Status of Standards Implementation in Anchorage Secondary Schools: A Concerns Based Acceptance Model (CBAM) Review, 2001-2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fenton, Ray

The Concerns Based Acceptance Model (CBAM) has been a key element in developing and assessing the implementation of science and mathematics programs over the past 20 years. CBAM provides an organized approach to assessing where people stand as they learn about, and accept, changes in organizations. This study examined the status of the adoption of…

Student Participation and Accommodations Handbook: Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10. Spring 2007. Hawai'i State Reading and Mathematics Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

State of Hawaii Department of Education, 2007

2007-01-01

The Hawai'i State Assessment is an annual testing program that measures student progress on Hawai'i's reading, writing, and mathematics standards. This handbook provides all Department of Education personnel at the school, complex area, and state levels with information about participation in the Hawai'i State Reading and Mathematics Assessment…

Accessibility assessment of assistive technology for the hearing impaired.

PubMed

Áfio, Aline Cruz Esmeraldo; Carvalho, Aline Tomaz de; Caravalho, Luciana Vieira de; Silva, Andréa Soares Rocha da; Pagliuca, Lorita Marlena Freitag

2016-01-01

to assess the automatic accessibility of assistive technology in online courses for the hearing impaired. evaluation study guided by the Assessment and Maintenance step proposed in the Model of Development of Digital Educational Material. The software Assessor and Simulator for the Accessibility of Sites (ASES) was used to analyze the online course "Education on Sexual and Reproductive Health: the use of condoms" according to the accessibility standards of national and international websites. an error report generated by the program identified, in each didactic module, one error and two warnings related to two international principles and six warnings involved with six national recommendations. The warnings relevant to hearing-impaired people were corrected, and the course was considered accessible by automatic assessment. we concluded that the pages of the course were considered, by the software used, appropriate to the standards of web accessibility.

A Model for Pharmacological Research-Treatment of Cocaine Dependence

PubMed Central

Montoya, Ivan D.; Hess, Judith M.; Preston, Kenzie L.; Gorelick, David A.

2008-01-01

Major problems for research on pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence are lack of comparability of results from different treatment research programs and poor validity and/or reliability of results. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, random assignment, experimental designs, using standard intake and assessment procedures help to reduce these problems. Cessation or reduction of drug use and/or craving, retention in treatment, and medical and psychosocial improvement are some of the outcome variables collected in treatment research programs. A model to be followed across different outpatient clinical trials for pharmacological treatment of cocaine dependence is presented here. This model represents an effort to standardize data collection to make results more valid and comparable. PMID:8749725

Multi-Year Analysis Examines Costs, Benefits, and Impacts of Renewable Portfolio Standards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

As states consider revising renewable portfolio standard (RPS) programs or developing new ones, careful assessments of the costs, benefits, and other impacts of existing policies will be critical. RPS programs currently exist in 29 states and Washington, D.C. Many of these policies, which were enacted largely during the late 1990s and 2000s, will reach their terminal targets by the end of this decade. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) are engaged in a multi-year project to examine the costs, benefits, and other impacts of state RPS polices both retrospectively and prospectively. This fact sheetmore » overviews this work.« less

77 FR 41107 - Enterprise Underwriting Standards

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-12

...), relating to mortgage assets affected by Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. The comment period... INFORMATION CONTACT: Alfred M. Pollard, General Counsel, (202) 649-3050 (not a toll-free number), Federal... for the Telecommunications Device for the Hearing Impaired is (800) 877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY...

15 CFR 285.9 - Granting accreditation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Granting accreditation. 285.9 Section 285.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS NATIONAL...

15 CFR 280.214 - Hearings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACCREDITATION AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS FASTENER QUALITY... conducted in a fair and impartial manner by the administrative law judge, who may limit attendance at any... may nevertheless proceed, and that party's failure to appear will not affect the validity of the...

77 FR 69434 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-19

... submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection...: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Title: National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation... National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) accreditation. It is used by NVLAP to assess...