The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981 provided for the consolidation of federal human service programs into block grants. A set of common issues has been proposed to provide a framework for evaluating the effects of block grant programs. These issues included funding, authority, administration, efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. (DWH)

Evaluates the performance of federal block grants in health, law enforcement, peoplepower training, community development, and Social Security programs, to help forecast the effects of such grants in education. Finds that block grants did not improve local control, accountability, citizen participation, efficiency, targeting of funds, or program…

Considers how performance standards should be set and applied in the face of problems caused by auxiliary outcomes (outcomes other than those of interest) and counterfactual outcomes (the threshold standard not observed). Makes the case that the proper way to implement standards varies with the prior information an evaluator can credibly bring to…

Five activities are proposed for a federal evaluation agenda for the 1980s: (1) measuring net impact of social program cost containment; (2) implementing and evaluating new social experiments; (3) examining appropriateness of current social programs; (4) testing alternatives to established programs; and (5) developing procedures to ensure…

A study of Chapter 2 first-year implementation in nine states found that administrators like the flexibility of the block grants. Problems remain concerning the participation of private school students, service to special populations, and the continued use of state advisory councils. (MLF)

To maximize freedom from personal and political conflicts of interest, decentralized mechanisms of federal program evaluations are needed. Block grants mean that state legislatures and governors will become more responsible for oversight of funds. Three proposals are presented for helping the states deal with these increased evaluation…

Analyzes the intentions and results of federal efforts to promote educational improvement over the past 25 years. Federal efforts are described in the following areas: block grant funding; requirements for local evaluation and planning; research, development, and evaluation; linkage; and targeted support for local improvement. (CT)

This paper reviews early research at the national level on the implementation and effects of the Department of Education's block grant, Chapter 2 of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981. Findings are summarized under six topics: funds allocation, educational service delivery, program administration, program assessment, decision…

Reviews factors affecting the implementation of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act's Chapter 2 provisions in South Carolina, including demographic changes, recent state educational legislation, and characteristics of Chapter 2. Analyzes the impact of Chapter 2 in 10 districts. (PGD)