Michael Sikes, Ph.D.
Evaluation, Research, and Consulting

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Evaluation as a Learning System

My evaluation focus is on learning as a key outcome of programs, both in and out of school and lifelong. The following is a snapshot:

• Began career with four years' training and experience in psychometrics at Tampa, Florida-based Institute for Instructional Research, with extensive involvement in development of two statewide examinations of teacher content knowledge.
• Graduate training in educational foundations, learning theory, and educational measurement. Helped design course in computer-aided instruction. Additional coursework at Florida State University in instructional design, curriculum, adult education, and educational evaluation and assessment.
• In Charlotte, NC, developed three institutes for teacher training in curriculum and assessment. Wrote successful grant for establishment of Professional Development Consortium.
• For four years, designed and taught courses in educational research for graduate education students at Antioch University. Supervised student teachers in three California schools. Designed and conducted evaluations of educational programs in arts, science, history, environmental education.
• Conducted original research on creativity as an essential variable in learning programs.
• Evaluate relationships between learning and organizational development in context of major international cultural exchanges and cross-cultural professional development programs.

This training and these experiences have led me to see evaluation as a learning system, or more correctly, a path toward developing learning systems.