Pearl, John B., III’s scientific contributions

Groups from two Michigan-based science education projects, funded through the Kellogg Foundation Science Education Initiative, used networking conferences with cluster evaluation processes for their program assessment format. Cluster evaluation is categorized as a type of naturalistic evaluation, and it includes negotiated common cluster outcomes, collaborative data collection and analysis procedures, regular networking conferences, technical assistance to individual projects, and cooperative derivation and dissemination of findings. Networking conferences (NC) are special gatherings held semi-annually of project directors, evaluators, other key project staff, foundation staff, invited guests, and cluster evaluators. The Science Education Initiative aims to improve science teaching and learning with a long-term goal of improving the scientific literacy of Michigan citizens. The specific purposes of the cluster evaluation networking conferences included the following: (1) conduct strategic planning for, exchange ideas about, provide direction to discuss issues and problems emerging from, and review and analyze data and findings of the cluster evaluation; (2) share lessons learned with other projects; (3) learn about current and developing issues in science education and science curriculum, instruction, and assessment topics directly pertinent to projects; (4) formally and informally share science education curriculum materials and instructional strategies; and (5) visit project sites. (Contains nine references.) (JB)