Research for Better Schools

Recent Evaluation Projects

Title: Enhancing Education Through Technology

Sponsor/Funder: Delaware Department of Education, Curriculum and Instructional Improvement Branch

Target Audience: Delaware Department of Education

Collaborating Agencies: None

Dates: 2003 - 2005

Description: The Delaware State Department of Education (DOE) commissioned RBS to evaluate activities funded under the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology program (EETT), which aims to raise student achievement by increasing the availability of technological resources, enhancing teacher quality through professional development, and facilitating the integration of technology into curricula in high-poverty schools. RBS monitored the progress of schools receiving competitive and non-competitive formula grants by reviewing program records, conducting classroom and professional development session observations, surveying teachers and students, and collecting information from key staff. Specifically, RBS:

  • Conducted site visit observations.
  • Collected information from school principals and partner school key staff.
  • Reviewed program records.
  • Analyzed teacher scores on a technology integration scale.
  • Analyzed student standardized test scores.
  • Surveyed students and teachers.
  • Created program logic models.
  • Assessed the extent to which schools have carried out proposed activities.
  • Determined any implementation problems or impediments that schools are experiencing.
  • Reported results to DOE.

Outcomes: A review of the documentation supplied by selected schools in Year 1 showed that progress had been made in implementing most of the EETT activities planned in their original grant proposals. The schools increased their library holdings, conducted professional development in technology integration, continued with curriculum mapping projects, and extended their media center hours of operation. Evaluation staff recommended measuring satisfaction and impact of professional development activities. The Year 2 evaluation includes observations of the staff development sessions, as well as school visits and interviews with teachers and students.

Products and/or Web Links:

  • Feighan, K. (March 2005). Enhancing Education Through Technology: PowerPortal Federal Grant Program, Evaluation Report, Year 1 . Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.
  • Feighan, K. (January 2005). Enhancing Education Through Technology: Information Collaborative Partnership Federal Grant Program, Evaluation Report, Year 2 . Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.

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