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

1996

Mapping Out the National Assessment of Title I: The Interim Report, mandated under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) [P.L. 103-382], is the first report of the National Assessment of Title I. The report outlines key issues and provides a baseline for an examination of the progress of states, districts, and schools toward realizing the objectives of the restructured Title I program. As an initial report, it concentrates on describing Part A of Title I, the local grants program; subsequent reports will focus on other parts of the Title I program and how they work together. The National Assessment of Title I is informed by an independent review panel of researchers, state, local and school-level practitioners, and other appropriate individuals as mandated under ESEA to assist the U.S. Department of Education in planning, reviewing and conducting the Assessment. (A list of panel members is included.) The National Assessment of Title I places a much greater emphasis than previous evaluations on understanding the operation and impact of Title I within the state and local context for reform. Federal evaluators will work collaboratively with state and district staff to assess program implementation. Longitudinal evaluation of the impact of Title I on schools and classrooms over time will need to track the status of state and local reform efforts and the dynamics of change within these systems. New Title I evaluations will concentrate on the ongoing performance of key educational and administrative processes as well as on the end-result--improved student learning. Monitoring these intermediate outcomes will provide early warning of problems in implementation and offer guidance on policies and practices that are most promising.

U.S. Department of Education

Richard W. Riley
Secretary

Marshall S. Smith
Under Secretary

Alan L. Ginsburg
Director, Planning and Evaluation Service

Valena W. Plisko
Director, Elementary and Secondary Education Division
Planning and Evaluation Service

Joanne Bogart
Project Director, National Assessment of Title I
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[Executive Summary]