In a study of performance appraisal, extension agents (n=588) perceived the process to have several limitations or deficiencies. They suggested the following: supervisors conducting evaluations should be trained and retrained; agents should be evaluated on the range of duties they perform; and the process should promote personal and professional…

Responses from 303 of 411 North Carolina municipalities determined that use of modern personnel practices was greatest in recruitment/selection, moderate in compensation/benefits and employee rights/regulations, and marginal in performance appraisal. Factors affecting greater use were larger work force and presence of city managers. (SK)

Offers suggestions for deciphering letters of recommendation in academia. Notes the critical role such letters play in job offers, tenure decisions, and grant decisions. A table gives examples of typical positive phrases in such letters and possible negative interpretations. A variety of examples illustrate problems of honesty, confidentiality,…

The "Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education" announces the establishment of a new section, "The Practitioner's Corner," a section that will provide the opportunity for practitioners from many educational environments to share information about issues, controversies, and programs in personnel evaluation that reflect practice. (SLD)

The "Personnel Evaluation Standards" of D. Stufflebeam (1988) were used as a framework for the historical analysis of Louisiana's effort to implement a statewide program to evaluate its 45,000 teachers for the purpose of renewable professional certification. Using the "Standards" provided insights into the evaluation process…

Describes the Collaborative Professional Assessment Process (CPAP) to guide the evaluation of the director of early childhood programs. Examines the assumptions upon which the CPAP is based. Lists the management skills and leadership abilities of successful child care directors. Includes the Director Self-Evaluation form and a program evaluation…

Many colleges use some form of an employee performance appraisal process. Yet, despite prevalent use, the performance appraisal process is facing growing criticism. The author reviews the literature regarding the process of performance appraisal in higher education, focusing on articles supportive of the use of the performance appraisal, and those…

"Online Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation: Emerging Practices" provides a view of the possibilities and challenges facing online educators and evaluators in the 21st Century. As technology evolves and online measurement and assessment follow, "Online Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation: Emerging Practices" uses…

The current study assesses the effects of the commuting environment on affective states and hiring decisions. A total of 136 undergraduate females were randomly assigned to one of four conditions based on the length (10 km vs. 30 km) and level of congestion (low vs. high) during a commute. Multivariate analyses of variance indicate that affective…

Directions are given for scoring typing tests taken on a typewriter or on a computer using special software. The speed score (gross words per minute) is obtained by determining the total number of strokes typed, and dividing by 25. The accuracy score is obtained by comparing the examinee's test paper to the appropriate scoring key and counting the…

Interest in personality in work and organizational psychology has never been stronger. A substantial amount of work exploring the links between personality variables and work behavior and attitudes is now available. Much of this work has been conducted within a selection and assessment context, although relevant work has also been done in other…

Following an overview of the Pennsylvania State University Libraries, this paper discusses the role of dual function librarians. The duties and responsibilities of a RISD (Reference and Instructional Services Division) cataloger are listed, and problems of terminology, evaluation, divided loyalties, and inflated expectations are addressed.…

Compensation programs designed specifically for school middle managers should involve them and should include a program for evaluating employee performance and for developing and maintaining job descriptions. (Author/MLF)

The author offers practical advice on how to recognize and develop potential management talent. (BP)