Assessment Literacy


Book Description

This clear, no-nonsense book guides current and future teachers through the concepts, tools, methods, and goals of classroom literacy assessment. The expert authors examine the roles of formative, summative, and benchmark assessments; demystify state and national tests and standards; and show how assessment can seamlessly inform instruction. Strategies for evaluating, choosing, and interpreting assessments are discussed, as are ways to communicate data to parents and administrators. User-friendly resources include boxed vignettes from teachers and researchers, practical assessment tips (and traps to avoid), and 12 reproducible planning forms and handouts. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.




Measuring Data Quality for Ongoing Improvement


Book Description

The Data Quality Assessment Framework shows you how to measure and monitor data quality, ensuring quality over time. You'll start with general concepts of measurement and work your way through a detailed framework of more than three dozen measurement types related to five objective dimensions of quality: completeness, timeliness, consistency, validity, and integrity. Ongoing measurement, rather than one time activities will help your organization reach a new level of data quality. This plain-language approach to measuring data can be understood by both business and IT and provides practical guidance on how to apply the DQAF within any organization enabling you to prioritize measurements and effectively report on results. Strategies for using data measurement to govern and improve the quality of data and guidelines for applying the framework within a data asset are included. You'll come away able to prioritize which measurement types to implement, knowing where to place them in a data flow and how frequently to measure. Common conceptual models for defining and storing of data quality results for purposes of trend analysis are also included as well as generic business requirements for ongoing measuring and monitoring including calculations and comparisons that make the measurements meaningful and help understand trends and detect anomalies. - Demonstrates how to leverage a technology independent data quality measurement framework for your specific business priorities and data quality challenges - Enables discussions between business and IT with a non-technical vocabulary for data quality measurement - Describes how to measure data quality on an ongoing basis with generic measurement types that can be applied to any situation




Achieving Product Reliability


Book Description

Are you buying a car or smartphone or dishwasher? We bet long-term, trouble-free operation (i.e., high reliability) is among the top three things you look for. Reliability problems can lead to everything from minor inconveniences to human disasters. Ensuring high reliability in designing and building manufactured products is principally an engineering challenge–but statistics plays a key role. Achieving Product Reliability explains in a non-technical manner how statistics is used in modern product reliability assurance. Features: Describes applications of statistics in reliability assurance in design, development, validation, manufacturing, and field tracking. Uses real-life examples to illustrate key statistical concepts such as the Weibull and lognormal distributions, hazard rate, and censored data. Demonstrates the use of graphical tools in such areas as accelerated testing, degradation data modeling, and repairable systems data analysis. Presents opportunities for profitably applying statistics in the era of Big Data and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) utilizing, for example, the instantaneous transmission of large quantities of field data. Whether you are an intellectually curious citizen, student, manager, budding reliability professional, or academician seeking practical applications, Achieving Product Reliability is a great starting point for a big-picture view of statistics in reliability assurance. The authors are world-renowned experts on this topic with extensive experience as company-wide statistical resources for a global conglomerate, consultants to business and government, and researchers of statistical methods for reliability applications.




Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis


Book Description

Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis A fully reworked and updated introduction to the fundamentals and applications of environmental sampling and analysis Environmental sampling and analysis are essential components of environmental data acquisition and scientific research. The acquisition of reliable data with respect to proper sampling, chemical and instrumental methodology, and QA/QC is a critical precursor to all environmental work. No would-be environmental scientist, engineer, or policymaker can succeed without an understanding of how to correctly acquire, assess and use credible data. Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis, 2nd edition provides this understanding, with a comprehensive survey of the theory and applications of these critical sampling and analytical tools. The field of environmental research has expanded greatly since the publication of the first edition, and this book has been completely rewritten to reflect the latest studies and technological developments. The resulting mix of theory and practice will continue to serve as the standard introduction to the subject. Readers of the second edition of Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis will also find: Three new chapters and numerous expanded sections on topics of emerging environmental concerns Detailed discussion of subjects including passive sampling, Raman spectroscopy, non-targeted mass spectroscopic analysis, and many more Over 500 sample problems and solutions along with other supplementary instructional materials Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis is ideal for students of environmental science and engineering as well as professionals and regulators for whom reliable environmental data through sampling and analysis is critical.




Registries for Evaluating Patient Outcomes


Book Description

This User’s Guide is intended to support the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries created to increase understanding of patient outcomes. For the purposes of this guide, a patient registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect uniform data (clinical and other) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure, and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. A registry database is a file (or files) derived from the registry. Although registries can serve many purposes, this guide focuses on registries created for one or more of the following purposes: to describe the natural history of disease, to determine clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of health care products and services, to measure or monitor safety and harm, and/or to measure quality of care. Registries are classified according to how their populations are defined. For example, product registries include patients who have been exposed to biopharmaceutical products or medical devices. Health services registries consist of patients who have had a common procedure, clinical encounter, or hospitalization. Disease or condition registries are defined by patients having the same diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis or heart failure. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews.




Evidence-Based Physical Examination


Book Description

The first book to teach physical assessment techniques based on evidence and clinical relevance. Grounded in an empirical approach to history-taking and physical assessment techniques, this text for healthcare clinicians and students focuses on patient well-being and health promotion. It is based on an analysis of current evidence, up-to-date guidelines, and best-practice recommendations. It underscores the evidence, acceptability, and clinical relevance behind physical assessment techniques. Evidence-Based Physical Examination offers the unique perspective of teaching both a holistic and a scientific approach to assessment. Chapters are consistently structured for ease of use and include anatomy and physiology, key history questions and considerations, physical examination, laboratory considerations, imaging considerations, evidence-based practice recommendations, and differential diagnoses related to normal and abnormal findings. Case studies, clinical pearls, and key takeaways aid retention, while abundant illustrations, photographic images, and videos demonstrate history-taking and assessment techniques. Instructor resources include PowerPoint slides, a test bank with multiple-choice questions and essay questions, and an image bank. This is the physical assessment text of the future. Key Features: Delivers the evidence, acceptability, and clinical relevance behind history-taking and assessment techniques Eschews “traditional” techniques that do not demonstrate evidence-based reliability Focuses on the most current clinical guidelines and recommendations from resources such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Focuses on the use of modern technology for assessment Aids retention through case studies, clinical pearls, and key takeaways Demonstrates techniques with abundant illustrations, photographic images, and videos Includes robust instructor resources: PowerPoint slides, a test bank with multiple-choice questions and essay questions, and an image bank Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers




Assessment in Counseling


Book Description

Now more user-friendly than ever, while continuing the legacy of excellence that Albert Hood and Richard Johnson began, the latest version of this best-selling text updates students and clinicians on the basic principles of psychological assessment, recent changes in assessment procedures, and the most widely used tests relevant to counseling practice today. Hays walks the reader through every stage of the assessment process and provides practical tools such as bolded key terminology; chapter pretests, summaries, and review questions; self-development and reflection activities; client case examples; practitioner perspectives illustrating assessment in action; and handy tip sheets. More than 100 assessment instruments examining intelligence, academic aptitude and achievement, career and life planning, personal interests and values, personality, and interpersonal relationships are described. Also discussed are specialized mental health assessments for substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anger, self-injury, eating disorders, suicide risk, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. *Requests for digital versions from the ACA can be found on wiley.com. *To request print copies, please visit the ACA website here. *Reproduction requests for material from books published by ACA should be directed to [email protected].




Safety and Health for Engineers


Book Description

SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR ENGINEERS A comprehensive resource for making products, facilities, processes, and operations safe for workers, users, and the public Ensuring the health and safety of individuals in the workplace is vital on an interpersonal level but is also crucial to limiting the liability of companies in the event of an onsite injury. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 4,700 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2020, most frequently in transportation-related incidents. The same year, approximately 2.7 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers. According to the National Safety Council, the cost in lost wages, productivity, medical and administrative costs is close to 1.2 trillion dollars in the US alone. It is imperative—by law and ethics—for engineers and safety and health professionals to drive down these statistics by creating a safe workplace and safe products, as well as maintaining a safe environment. Safety and Health for Engineers is considered the gold standard for engineers in all specialties, teaching an understanding of many components necessary to achieve safe workplaces, products, facilities, and methods to secure safety for workers, users, and the public. Each chapter offers information relevant to help safety professionals and engineers in the achievement of the first canon of professional ethics: to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The textbook examines the fundamentals of safety, legal aspects, hazard recognition and control, the human element, and techniques to manage safety decisions. In doing so, it covers the primary safety essentials necessary for certification examinations for practitioners. Readers of the fourth edition of Safety and Health for Engineers readers will also find: Updates to all chapters, informed by research and references gathered since the last publication The most up-to-date information on current policy, certifications, regulations, agency standards, and the impact of new technologies, such as wearable technology, automation in transportation, and artificial intelligence New international information, including U.S. and foreign standards agencies, professional societies, and other organizations worldwide Expanded sections with real-world applications, exercises, and 164 case studies An extensive list of references to help readers find more detail on chapter contents A solution manual available to qualified instructors Safety and Health for Engineers is an ideal textbook for courses in safety engineering around the world in undergraduate or graduate studies, or in professional development learning. It also is a useful reference for professionals in engineering, safety, health, and associated fields who are preparing for credentialing examinations in safety and health.




Designing Quality Authentic Assessments


Book Description

This book examines the principles and practice of authentic assessment. It seeks to answer the following questions. What is authentic assessment? How is authentic assessment different from 'performance assessment' or 'alternative assessment'? How can authentic assessment support learner-centred education, especially when a performance-oriented culture favours pen-and-paper examinations? The book is structured into two major parts. The first, 'Principles of authentic assessment design', provides readers with a conceptual explanation of authenticity; the principles for designing quality authentic assessments for valid evidence of student learning; and guidance about how to develop quality rubrics to structure assessment tasks. The second part of the book, 'Theory into practice' provides examples developed by teachers to demonstrate an understanding of authentic assessment. The subject areas covered include humanities, languages, mathematics, sciences, character and citizenship. Two case studies are discussed to demonstrate how authentic assessment can be used to comprehensively address key learning objectives in a variety of curriculum contexts. This book provides practitioners with concrete examples on how to develop authentic assessment to suit their context and also enhance their students’ learning. The book will also enable teachers to face assessment challenges present in our changing world.




Assessment Essentials


Book Description

A comprehensive expansion to the essential higher education assessment text This second edition of Assessment Essentials updates the bestselling first edition, the go-to resource on outcomes assessment in higher education. In this thoroughly revised edition, you will find, in a familiar framework, nearly all new material, examples from more than 100 campuses, and indispensable descriptions of direct and indirect assessment methods that have helped to educate faculty, staff, and students about assessment. Outcomes assessment is of increasing importance in higher education, especially as new technologies and policy proposals spotlight performance-based success measures. Leading authorities Trudy Banta and Catherine Palomba draw on research, standards, and best practices to address the timeless and timeliest issues in higher education accountability. New topics include: Using electronic portfolios in assessment Rubrics and course-embedded assessment Assessment in student affairs Assessing institutional effectiveness As always, the step-by-step approach of Assessment Essentials will guide you through the process of developing an assessment program, from the research and planning phase to implementation and beyond, with more than 100 examples along the way. Assessment data are increasingly being used to guide everything from funding to hiring to curriculum decisions, and all faculty and staff will need to know how to use them effectively. Perfect for anyone new to the assessment process, as well as for the growing number of assessment professionals, this expanded edition of Assessment Essentials will be an essential resource on every college campus.