Describes a decision analytic approach for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in planning special service programs. Presents evaluation information on its application by MDTs in planning individualized education programs, and outlines a six-step process. Suggests utilization of approach allows a complex program planning situation to be disaggregated…

Reviews the student services evaluation literature and presents a metamodel for selecting evaluation models. The metamodel is based on the comparison of the common dimensions of all evaluation models. Identifies five common dimensions that collectively determine the usefulness of any evaluation model. (RC)

The authors state that 50 percent of current participative work groups will dissolve. They focus on some of the actual problems associated with participative work group strategies. They discuss (1) macroorganizational issues, (2) organizational hierarchy, (3) climate of uncertainty, (4) leadership conflicts, and (5) microorganizational issues. (CH)

Discusses quality circle programs in educational systems and describes a successful application of quality circles within a residential life program at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. Presents findings from program evaluation which focused on quality of committee products and which illustrated success of quality circle…

This report and briefing book aim to inform Californians about the condition of the state's children in 1989. An initial set of anecdotes about Californian children and parents is followed by an overview, which discusses characteristics of the state's children, accountability in regards to spending on children and measuring their success, reasons…

The Judicial Evaluation Method (JEM) is useful for aiding decision-making bodies to formulate policies. Broad public participation in complex issues is provided by JEM. (The conceptualization, policy formulation stages, and participant roles are identified; and the model is applied in two case studies). (MH)

The evaluation design described was used to aid the governing board to reach a policy decision about expanding the California Early Childhood Education program (renamed the School Improvement Program) in the Lafayette School District. Descriptions of procedures, question formats, audiences involved, and results are included. (MH)

The cross-levels hypothesis is presented as an explanation for program evaluation failures. It states that the usefulness of evaluation data as feedback for decision making varies inversely with the number of organizational levels between the action the data describe, and the decisions they are intended to influence. To be useful for decision…