Many parent and family education programs lack a clearly articulated program theory that is solidly founded in the social science literature and used to guide rigorous evaluation. This article describes the program theory for Parents Forever, a divorce education program developed by the Minnesota Extension to serve divorcing parents. The Parents…

"Pro bono" volunteers provide an effective means for Extension professionals to expand limited financial and human resources. Volunteers recruited from business settings can provide skills, abilities, expertise, leadership, and resources to Extension programs. Allowing professional volunteers to meet their desired leadership goals while…

Effective advisory committees are the cornerstone of relevant, quality Extension programs. They provide stakeholder input to Extension personnel, which is required under the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act (AREERA) of 1998. This article describes the implementation of a virtual statewide Extension program advisory…

Action Learning can be effectively used in both large and small businesses and organizations by employees, stakeholders, or volunteers through this "learning by doing" approach to evaluate an issue or issues of importance to the organization. First developed in the 1940s, Action Learning has increasingly been used as a method to explore questions…

Advanced and alternative ordinary psychology programs are offered at the secondary level in the United Kindgom. Enrollment is increasing, particularly among women. Universities and the British Psychological Society are not actively involved with the programs. The program content does not emphasize personality growth. (AM)

Describes a comprehensive home food production education program designed to meet extension agent needs for ready reference and homeowner needs for basic gardening information. Program components include fact sheets, slide library, and a beginner's guide. Material use and program evaluation are included. (CT)

The author describes the Research and Training Center at Lahti (Finland): its general task, its goals, and its organization. The center's main projects are examined: open university studies, supplementary professional education, employment oriented training, extension projects, international cooperation, and research activities. Financing of the…

This report summarizes the activities of the three components of Colorado's statewide extended campus during the 1998-99 academic year. The first, and largest, section focuses on the extended studies program, which has been Colorado's primary vehicle for the delivery of off-campus instruction since 1972. The report provides an overview of the…

Describes five creative/innovative human service programs currently dealing with the farm/rural crisis: Northwest Iowa Community Mental Health Center (Spencer), Lutheran Social Services in southwest Minnesota, Farm Counseling Service, Inc. (Memphis, Missouri), Missouri Financial Advisory and Resource Management Support (Columbia), and Missouri…

Sheldon Jackson College provides college level training to teacher aides in their home communities. The program includes courses leading to an Associate of Arts in Education degree from the college, the development of bilingual materials and the assessment of interest in developing bilingual programs in the communities served, and on-site career…

Cooperative extension service faculty at New Mexico State University started the Steps to Employment and Personal Success (STEPS) program to help Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients qualify for and maintain full-time employment and strengthen their families for long-term success. Clients are referred to STEPS by New Mexico…