This report consists of two parts. The first section identifies issues concerning the "Standards for Evaluations of Educational Programs, and Materials." In the second, these issues are addressed through an agenda for conducting projects designed to study and improve the contents and uses of the standards. (BW)

The author's reactions to Stake's responsive evaluation model and to preordinate evaluation are presented. (GDC)

This article reviews research to identify factors that seem to account for vocational education's limited impact on economic returns. Methods are suggested in which evaluation may direct vocational programs toward a synthesis of educational goals. Students' job skill development and intellectual growth should be the objectives of vocational…

A microeconomic paradigm is proposed for the evaluation of special education in schools. The special education process is described in three phases: referral to special education by the classroom teacher; special classroom program; and mainstreaming. The relationship between referral by teachers, classroom resources, and students' desirable…

The Holtzman Project at Northwestern University reviewed educational program evaluations at the federal, state, and local levels of government. This paper focuses on the administration of the project, including constraints on its operations, the strategic decisions that seemed correct at the time, and some decisions that now seem wrong. (BW)

Cross-program evaluation, the comparison of different types of educational programs, is discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of evaluation are outlined, with respect to decision making and legislation regarding funding of programs. (GDC)

The role of the chief scientist in the formulation of a policy of evaluation research by a government unit is considered, together with issues facing his office. Such issues include: accountability; meeting the expectations of decision makers; increasing evaluation utilization; and evaluation feasibility. (AEF)

Programs to educate severely handicapped children have usually been evaluated with respect to student achievement. Although this approach is reasonable, a multivariate approach that examines the impact on the child's family may be more relevant. Programs to teach the parents and to reduce institutionalization should also be studied. (GDC)

High school students, teachers, and principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the availability and importance of different types of evaluative information. Overall, all three groups perceived that evaluative information was only occasionally available, which indicating that such information was important. (Author/MV)

Self evaluation of organizations is recommended to avoid problems and bias associated with external evaluations. Four approaches to evaluation include testing, site visits, congruence between expected and achieved objectives, and naturalistic or qualitative evaluation. The five judgement stages of evaluation are described; needs, goals,…

Special education services in Australia are provided by state departments of education as well as voluntary organizations. These services are provided in toy libraries and activity therapy centers as well as school settings. Thus, a variety of separate evaluations have been conducted. Further cooperative and systematic assessments are planned.…