NCJ Number
75064
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A legal model involving courtroom and jury is presented as a method of educational evaluation.
Abstract
The trial in a judicial evaluation is an adversarial process used to probe the complexities underlying an educational program. The trial seeks to reveal the truth, not to determine a victor. Access to adequate data and active participation by interested juries is important. Prescriptions for educational improvement should be written by the client with the problem, not by the jury or by the judge. Problems associated with judicial evaluation include maintenance of the confidentiality of jury deliberations under pressure to tape them; conflicts between jurors who knew each other before the evaluation; the impact of particular pieces of testimony despite conflicting evidence; jurors' feelings that they must represent the interests or viewpoints of their own groups (such as race, social class, gender, or interest group); and a poor understanding among jurors of legal concepts. The ideal number of jurors has not yet been determined; however, smaller juries may be the most effective. is argued that evaluations should be conducted by amateurs who are seeking solutions, rather than by professionals who are protecting their professional reputations. Five references are included. (Author abstract modified)