The goal of this article is to contribute to the validation of a self-evaluation method, which can be used by schools to evaluate the quality of their Competence Assessment Program (CAP). The outcomes of the self-evaluations of two schools are systematically compared: a novice school with little experience in competence-based education and…

After a brief review of previous studies of justifying claims in evaluation practice, an analysis is provided using the jurisprudence metaphor of S. Toulmin (1958) in the assessment of evaluative arguments. Applications and implications for evaluation practice are discussed. (SLD)

The intertextual model of evaluation proposed by M. Riffaterre is explored and applied to two problems, the general problem of what to do when there are multiple but conflicting criteria for evaluating a policy, and the specific issues of disposition of native American burial remains. (SLD)

This study examines demands placed on evaluators by the Joint Committee on Educational Evaluation's standards. Twenty-two experts in evaluation rated the compatibility of implementing pairs of standards or rated individual standards on a series of scales. Multidimensional scaling revealed five demands of ethical practice. (JAZ)

There is increasing recognition of the need for evaluations that identify program processes or mediators and assess degree of program implementation rather than focusing solely on outcome evaluation. This paper describes the application of complementary qualitative and quantitative evaluation procedures to assess the degree of implementation of…

The concept of evaluation readiness complements other evaluation planning approaches. Its basic products are the formal program definition and the data inventory framework. Ways to improve timeliness, appropriateness, and use of evaluation are also discussed. (Author/GDC)

The Communities That Care Youth Survey measures risk and protective factors shown in prior studies to predict adolescent problem behaviors such as drug use, delinquency, and violence. This paper describes the development and validation of cut points for the risk and protective factor scales in the Communities That Care Youth Survey that…

Procedures for setting and monitoring program goals are discussed, using a drug treatment project as an example. Implementation steps include goal setting, checking for consistency, monitoring, and providing feedback. The advantages and limitations of this goal-oriented approach are described. Available from: Pergamon Press, Maxwell House,…

This paper describes the process of developing a participatory monitoring and evaluation strategy for a Kenyan youth-based NGO. The iterative nature of the study including the process of narrowing down indicators to measure and methods to monitor/evaluate these is well documented. A discussion on the extent to which the process achieved…

This paper describes the development process of an evaluation framework for describing and comparing web survey tools. We believe that this approach will help shape the design, development, deployment, and evaluation of population-based health interventions. A conceptual framework for describing and evaluating web survey systems will enable the…

Medical students' performance on simulated patient practical examinations were compared to faculty ratings of the surgical clerks and awards of honor ratings. Faculty ratings were correlated with objective measures of the criteria on the exams. The performance of honor, versus non-honor students was higher on the practical exam. (Author/GDC)

Use-oriented approaches to evaluation have been challenged by contentions that the responsiveness of such evaluations undermines their technical quality. This discussion analyzes purported conflicts between these evaluation criteria of utility and accuracy by examining underlying assumptions related to evaluation's purpose and politics. (TJH)

Factors involved in pre-planned and post-planned evaluation of program effectiveness are compared: (1) reliability and cost of data; (2) internal and external validity; (3) obtrusiveness and threat; (4) goal displacement and program direction. A model to help program administrators decide which approach is more appropriate is presented. (Author/MH)

The traditional experimental-control group method for evaluating delinquency prevention programs is questioned. It is contended that the method harms the intervention and exacerbates the deliquency problem. (JKS)

This article outlines an approach designed to strengthen the validity of the case study method of evaluation. Five aspects of this approach are identified: evaluator selection procedure, method of setting out the evaluation expectations, use of on-going feedback, use of multiple perspectives, and wide involvement of various audiences. (Author/JAZ)