Reynolds and Wheldall reviewed research relating to Reading Recovery (RR) and concluded that "RR has provided an excellent model in demonstrating how to plan, promote, and implement an intervention across an educational system and how to design a professional development programme" (2007, p. 218). They balanced this praise with concerns about the…

Parsons describes benefits and limitations of using financial analysis tools to evaluate human resource development programs, suggesting the additional dimension of values. Brinkerhoff's reaction emphasizes the flaws of impact evaluation, suggesting ways to reframe training evaluation. (SK)

Discusses how trainers can ensure that the monetary value of training results exceeds the cost of training. Describes how training programs at LensCrafters, Sears, and Apple have increased their return on investment. (JOW)

As companies devote more resources to training, the need for valid information about the return on investment increases. (JOW)

Suggests a model for program evaluation that may be useful to cooperative education professionals in the field and to college and university officials as they seek to advance the implementation of cooperative education while remaining faithful to the curricular mission of the institution. (JOW)

Looks at different performance-measurement tools than can ensure that a training or performance solution is strategically aligned, objectively evaluated, and quantitatively measured for results. Suggests aiming for a balance among the financial, customer, and internal perspectives and the innovation and learning that can result. (Author/JOW)

The article provides an overview of benefit cost analysis and its limitations and reviews the applications of benefit-cost analysis within vocational programs for persons with severe disabilities. Recommendations are made to assist state and program developers in choosing among program alternatives. (Author/DB)

Describes an operations audit as a means of reporting the effect of such interventions as training programs on organizational productivity; discusses the value of an accurate mission statement; describes an audit conducted to learn effects of management training programs at Lutheran General; and reviews steps and measurement techniques of…

Tabulating and presenting training cost data will facilitate evaluation of programs and analyses of training cost-effectiveness. (JOW)

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) refers to a system whereby the entire nursing program is reevaluated yearly and justification for all programs and expenditures must be made. ZBB is compared to the governmental sunset law. (JOW)

This special report looks at what is wrong with traditional accounting for training and offers a new model--the consensus accounting model--to help measure the costs and benefits of training. (60 references) (Author)

Discusses a four-level model of criteria for evaluating training: learner reactions, learning, job application, and observable business results. Looks at reasons why organizations avoid evaluating business results--they can be difficult, time consuming, intimidating, and used inappropriately. Offers guidelines for effective use of the model. (JOW)

This paper provides a summary of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses and their potential importance for decision making. The extent to which these tools are actually used, the possible connections between meta-analysis and cost-effective analysis, and the connection between effect sizes and benefit-cost ratios are discussed. (JAZ)

A program can be evaluated, and a cost-benefit ratio can be calculated to five decimal places, without ever directly examining outcomes. A useful vocabulary in economics and an understanding of the concepts involved is provided evaluators by an economist. (Author/RL)

The core of adversary evaluation is the existence of opposing viewpoints, not adherence to existing formats for presenting them. Suggests that evaluators develop adversary methods more appropriate for education. (Author/MLF)