Eight variations of a general matching design, matching program participants and a control group, were studied through simulation, for their effectiveness in evaluating programs for the gifted and talented. A regression-discontinuity design provided the best approach, with unbiased estimates of program effects. (SLD)

Five authors representing diverse perspectives comment on the revised "Program Evaluation Standards" approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Standards are considered in light of their development; measurement issues; program evaluation; evaluation in the local education agency; and the context of evaluation…

The utility of the biomedical model of adjusted statistics is demonstrated. The model is recommended for use by educational researchers to randomize subjects for a more accurate estimate of school programs' success or failure when compared across classrooms or other units. (Author/MH)