This presentation reports the results from a three year research project examining evaluation capacity building in a complex adaptive system (CAS) and using CAS as a lens for the analysis. The NSF funded Complex Adaptive Systems as a Model for Network Evaluations (CASNET) project provides new insights on (1) the implications of complexity theory…

This paper describes and analyzes the models and methods used to evaluate asynchronous online learning networks and presents a "Systems Component Contexture Model" for conceptualizing the evaluation of online learning networks. The evaluation team finds it useful to divide the variables they examine into descriptive, process, and outcome…

The paper focuses on catalysts needed for interagency cooperation in multi-service delivery systems for handicapped individuals. The importance of interfacing personal and environmental profiles is emphasized, and an approach matching aspects of the person and the environment is described. A behavioral skill profile of the person would be matched…

Assessment and evaluation can be important tools in improving the effectiveness and quality of programs, especially criminal justice programs, if they are integrated into the plans and designs of strategies instead of being added later. An evaluation systems approach to program development is needed to ensure that effectiveness and efficiency are…

This report offers a theoretical approach to the study of family adaptation to stress. Major works pertaining to family theory, research, and stress, published since 1979, are explored as a theoretical framework, and three conclusions are drawn from these sources: (1) Hill's ABCX model of family stress still influences family stress research; (2)…

An effective personnel evaluation system should contain ten components: (1) an introduction including the selection and composition of the committee that develops the program and the procedures used in its development; (2) a philosophy of evaluation based upon an assessment of the teaching environment of the district; (3) a listing of the purposes…

The use of systems terms and ecological concepts is increasingly common in psychology, and in particular, community psychology. Interest in systems theory began with the development of general systems theory during the 1950's, and led to the adoption of an ecological-systems orientation which recognized the environment as a major determinant of…

The author applies Gerald Nadler's approach to designing work procedures and systems to designing a system for evaluating administrative performance. He lists ten steps necessary in system development: (1) identify those individuals who are directly involved or affected by evaluation; (2) determine the functions to be served by the system under…

The paper describes Quality Service Management (QSM) as applied to the provision of services to disabled and other special needs persons. QSM is defined as a systems approach to consumer relations based on the belief that quality care may be achieved only within the context of overall services management. Differences among "quality…

The author presents a model for the evaluation of administrative performance that includes three interrelated systems (the macroorganizational, the microorganizational, and the administrative evaluation systems). He describes the competency/performance approach to administrator evaluation and enumerates variables conditioning administrative…

A systems approach to evaluation of the Diagnostic Reading Clinic Program's progress and its effects upon participating pupils from the Cleveland schools is reported on in this document. Formal evaluation of the Diagnostic Reading Clinic Program is directed toward the following objectives: to assess the extent to which the Diagnostic Reading…

The Professional Development Leadership Academy supports states in transforming systems of professional development. This paper investigates accountability considerations that are necessary to determine the impact and results of professional development from a state systems perspective. The five areas of focus that comprise the Academy knowledge…

Developmental research, as opposed to simple instructional development, has been defined as the systematic study of designing, developing, and evaluating instructional programs, processes, and products that must meet criteria of internal consistency and effectiveness. Developmental research is particularly important in the field of instructional…

A systems framework is presented for the evaluation of online bibliographic retrieval services by determining the interrelationships among the procedures in search request processing, the client's gain in knowledge, and the degree of client satisfaction. The application of the framework to an evaluation of the Educational Information System for…

The adequacy of the evaluation, potency, and activity (EPA) system as a scheme for the dimensions of an individual's implicit personality theory was tested using two methods. In the free-response method, each subject described himself and a number of people known to him using trait terms of his own choice; in the other method, each subject used a…