Evaluation reports increasingly document the degree of program implementation, particularly the extent to which programs adhere to prescribed steps and procedures. Many reports are cursory, however, and few, if any, fully portray the long and winding path taken when developing evaluation instruments, particularly observation instruments. In this…

This book defines school-based evaluation, situates it within the larger field of evaluation, and gives enough information about the organizational challenges school-based evaluation presents to allow highly-motivated educators to conduct evaluations. Principles, methods, and procedures are described, but technical details are generally not…

The effectiveness of product development as a component of technical assistance services offered to demonstration projects is examined. It is concluded that written documents produced by technical assistance agencies do not appear to have a direct effect on programs delivering services to the handicapped. (Author/LMO)

Bank's report of a long-term evaluation of the Bureau of Jewish Education, discussed in the previous article, is reviewed and commented on from the following points of views: (1) effects of local ecology on evaluation activities; (2) implications of the case study for the role and training of evaluators; and (3) unemphasized aspects of the case…

The Research and Evaluation Support Services Unit of the New South Wales (Australia) Department of Education conducts program evaluations to provide information to senior management for decision making. The 10-step system used is described, which provides for planning, evaluation, and staff development. (TJH)

This paper presents a case study of a stakeholder-collaborative approach to the utilization of evaluation. The roles of participants were extended to incorporate: the design, administration, and interpretation of surveys and interviews; extensive data-gathering; and development of major portions of the final report. (Author/LMO)

Procedures and benefits of a modular approach developed to evaluate the Texas Nutrition Education and Training Program are illustrated. It is shown that meta-analysis and similar summarizing methods create a comprehensive evaluation to improve operations and support planning and development. (SLD)

Practical and ethical issues (parent consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality) in the conduct of research in preventive intervention for high-risk students are illustrated in the context of the implementation and evaluation of a school-based program for the elementary school children of alcoholics. Implications for prevention studies…

The review of the Los Angeles Bureau of Jewish Education is described by the evaluator. She provides background information on the Bureau, her personal perspective, the major evaluation events and activities (including data collection efforts, progress reports, data analysis, and the final report), past review events, and her personal reflections.…

The purpose of evaluation in education projects is explored, through examples from English Language Teaching aid projects in developing countries. The distinction between formative and summative evaluation is conceptualized in terms of purpose rather than temporality, and the role of evaluation in program improvement is stressed. (SLD)

The background and dual evaluation approaches used in a nationwide arts evaluation project for Very Special Arts (arts programing for disabled and nondisabled children and adults) are described. Results of a field test in eight states of one of the assessment instruments developed in the evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

Two approaches for identifying, evaluating, and disseminating materials are discussed. One is the National Diffusion Network and its Program Effectiveness Panel, and the other is the Committee on Education and Human Resources, a new interagency effort with potential for examining a large body of generally underutilized mathematics and science…

The case for an in-depth evaluation of many federal education programs is argued, particularly those providing site-specific information capable of informing program improvement. The reauthorization of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) offers an opportunity for the U.S. Department of Education to play a leadership role in…

Concept mapping is a structured conceptualization that can be used by groups to develop a conceptual framework that guides evaluation or planning. Twelve papers discuss concept mapping in evaluation/planning in terms of theory development; measurement, construct validity, and pattern matching; outcome assessment and internal validity;…

The seven articles of this special section explore evaluation in South Africa. Particular emphasis is placed on policy development in the areas of health, education, and housing and on efforts to alleviate the legacy of apartheid. Participative and quantitative efforts are described. (SLD)