Accreditation is a process by which programs demonstrate their academic quality; that is, they demonstrate that they are making decisions for programmatic changes based on: (1) a sound theoretical foundation; (2) clearly stated mission, goals, and objectives; (3) a comprehensive self-study and thoughtful use of best practices; and (4) consistent,…

The FNS Research Corner provides a continuing series to summarize recently completed and current research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in the area of child nutrition. Summaries of recently completed research projects and in-progress research are provided in this article.

This article describes lessons learned about implementing evaluations in hospital settings. In order to overcome the methodological dilemmas inherent in this environment, we used a practical participatory evaluation (P-PE) strategy to engage as many stakeholders as possible in the process of evaluating a clinical demonstration project.…

Scientists have long recognized the value of having statistical data to measure the scope and vitality of education, research, and workforce development in their fields. Such data support evidence-based policy discussions in professional and governmental forums. Since 1982, the National Science Board has been required by law to publish…

The paper considers the concept of needs assessment in terms of the activities of TADS (Technical Assistance Development System), a project to provide support services to model demonstration projects and state education agency grantees of the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program. Section 1 defines needs assessment, describes approaches…

The TADS (Technical Assistance Development System) Needs Assessment Manual is designed to guide the comprehensive review of Handicapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP) demonstration projects in identifying technical assistance needs. An introduction reviews the TADS technical assistance model which includes program planning, needs…

The paper considers the issues, decisions, and practices involved in evaluating the Technical Assistance Development System (TADS), a project to provide assistance to demonstration projects and start education agency grantees in the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program. Section 1 considers the focus for the evaluation in terms of its…

This report describes a two-year State of Michigan demonstration project designed to investigate the feasibility of regulating family day care homes through a registration process that would be more effective and economical than the present licensing system. Registration is defined as the process whereby the State Department of Social Services…

The Model Accounting Plan (MAP) is a demographic accounting system designed to meet three major goals related to improving planning, evaluation, and monitoring of special education programs. First, MAP provides local-level data for administrators and parents to monitor the progress, transition patterns, expected attainments, and associated costs…

Appalachian Education Satellite Project (AESP), using the ATS-6 satellite, has designed a variety of multi-media learning activities intended to upgrade the quality of instruction in Appalachia. Four modes of communication (televised programs, four-channel audio review, four-channel data collection and analysis, and VHF-teletype relay system) were…

In 1985-1986, the mission of Connecticut's Committee on Four-Year-Olds, Their Families, and the Public Schools was to develop strategies to alleviate structural and systematic problems that could diminish the success of expanded early intervention efforts in the state. This report of the yearlong effort begins with a review of the committee's work…

The document reviews the technical assistance process used by TADS (Technical Assistance Development System), a project to provide support to HCEEP (Handicapped Children's Early Education Program) demonstration projects serving young handicapped children and their families. Chapter 1, by P. Trohanis, focuses on a number of questions that people…

This document, which highlights the efforts of the National Institute for Literacy to pilot the development of state literacy accountability systems in four states, outlines the components, operation, and importance of state accountability systems and discusses considerations in developing a systems approach to planning and implementing a quality…

This final report describes activities of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in a 3-year collaboration with the ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education to acquire information on model programs within the ERIC database for access by ERIC clients. AASCU members frequently need information on model programs and since…

This status report is an attempt to provide a comprehensive picture of Head Start home-based programs which aimed at helping parents provide children with the same kinds of activities and support in their own homes that children would receive in any quality child development center. Data was collected through: (1) Children (1st) First, Inc.'s…