The commentaries in this special issue as well as the articles they address contribute to the knowledge base about advanced learners, how they are identified, and how they are best served. In our Editors' commentary, we have organized our thoughts following the same order in which the commentaries appear in the remainder of this issue. As the…

In this article, we critique two recent theoretical developments about collaborative inquiry in evaluation--using logic models as a means to understand theory, and efforts to compartmentalize versions of collaborative inquiry into discrete genres--as a basis for considering future direction for the field. We argue that collaborative inquiry in…

In the past decade, the federal government, some states, and numerous communities have initiated programs to help couples form and sustain healthy marriages and relationships in order to increase family stability for children. Thus, the authors value the attention given to this emerging policy area by the "American Psychologist" in a recent…

School program evaluation researchers face a set of overlapping questions concerning our roles in the field: For the sake of "the data" and in quest of "the truth," am I a shrewd researcher before all else? For the sake of community-building and establishing respectful, reciprocal relationships with my school partners, am I first a gracious school…

Those people involved in the professional development school (PDS) effort have arrived at a time in their brief history when PDS partnerships can break the status quo and become contemporary laboratories of innovation for ushering in change and a new era of PK-12 education integrated with teacher education. In this chapter, the author appreciates…

Describes the role that group workers can play in program evaluation. Encourages people who are skilled conducting groups to apply their skills to program evaluation. Discusses the competencies and preparation necessary to function in the combined roles of evaluator and group worker. (Author/ABB)

This paper is a reflection on practice. It begins by briefly describing an evaluation of an externally-funded education programme in Kosovo (a new country in south-east Europe). The programme was managed by Save the Children in Kosovo and aimed to develop and promote models of inclusive education through three strands of activity. The first of…

This pamphlet on program planning is the second of 16 in a series to provide leaders in adult activities with sound introductory material to give practical help in using a method of adult education or working in a particular area. Its objective is to help leaders develop programs suited to their groups and group aims. Eleven articles and how-tos…

In defining the tasks of management and the complementary role of the evaluation professional, specific skills that the evaluator needs are outlined, markers of success are identified, and ethical issues that the internal evaluator must face are discussed. (PN)

The unique characteristics of the organizational context are reviewed, and it is shown how internal evaluation fits within them. The major factors that define the organizational context are delineated, including the emergence of the evaluation resource management function. (PN)

Provides a critical discussion of current research on the efficacy of family and group interventions for child sexual abuse victims. Treatment goals and components are described, followed by a review of relevant empirical studies. Suggestions are presented for improving the methodology of future sexual abuse intervention research. (JPS)

Small-group learning, it is suggested, has several benefits for law students that they cannot otherwise obtain. The work of scholars in the social sciences can help to better understand ways in which to structure and facilitate the use of small groups in the law school curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Provides a critical review of studies that evaluate support groups for informal caregivers. Describes types of support groups evaluated, types of evaluative research, principal results, and limitations of the evaluations. Proposes avenues for further research. (JOW)

Describes problems in implementing placebo controls in psychotherapy including the difficulty of ensuring that therapists and their patients will view both the experimental and placebo treatments as comparably credible. Considers six research issues stemming from the definitional requirement that the placebo control for the critical and specific…

This paper is about one lecturer's experience with a particular undergraduate course for management students. The distinguishing feature of the course is that major elements of its design are delegated to the students. The author discusses program design, context, objectives, content, session preparation and management, evaluation, and outcomes.…