Jargon Decoder Program Evaluation—Formative vs. Summative Formative evaluation helps answer questions like “How can we improve this program next year?” Summative evaluation addresses questions such as “Did we accomplish what we set out to do?” Professional evaluators can help you to design a study that addresses your most pressing questions. Learn about Edvantia’s collaborative approach to program evaluation.

Resource Toolkits As you prepare for the new school year, Edvantia offers a summary of research that can help On the ARCC Web site, you’ll find information and resources on adolescent literacy, formative assessment, high school, leadership, migrant education, parent involvement, school improvement, and special education.

The Oxford Round Table Considers Edvantia’s Instruction and Learning Appraisal: School and District Benefits Are you looking for a quick but comprehensive look at what’s happening in your school or district? The Instruction and Learning Appraisal (ILA) can help. Conducted by an external team, the ILA is more than a walkthrough but less intimidating than a formal assessment. Proactive leaders are using this fast-turnaround study to help them plan for effective instruction, professional development, and school improvement. ILA’s developers were invited to England this summer to discuss the process with a diverse group of scholars. Read more.

Shared Leadership: An Online PD Solution Edvantia’s four-week online course offers school administrators an opportunity to learn from research and from one another. Select 20 of school leaders in your district, then contact us to schedule a moderated class. We will work with you to arrange for CEU credits. Grants Update September 2007 See a new listing of selected grants from federal, foundation, and other sources. The Big Read The National Endowment for the Arts promotes reading by encouraging communities to choose books to read and discuss. A Web site offers discussion questions, author information, teacher guides, and more. Go to www.neabigread.org.

What Teachers Want Studies suggest that highly qualified teachers are more likely to stay put when they are offered autonomy and administrative support. What else improves recruitment and retention? To find out, read Edvantia’s Research Corner page in District Administration magazine. Browse Edvantia's Free Library Accessing free tools for educators is easy. Browse our collection. To subscribe to the eLink or to order a catalog of Edvantia products and services, go to www.edvantia.org and click on "Stay Informed." If you prefer not to receive future issues of eLink, please send an e-mail with the word "remove" in the subject field.