Little research has been done on the effects of peer raters' quality characteristics on peer rating qualities. This study aims to address this gap and investigate the effects of key variables related to peer raters' qualities, including content knowledge, previous rating experience, training on rating tasks, and rating motivation. In an experiment…

From 2004-2008, capacity to conduct program evaluation was built among the "Network for a Healthy California's" 48 largest local partners. Capacity building was done within a framework of Empowerment Evaluation and Utility-Focused evaluation. Tools included: a Scope of Work template, a handbook, a compendium of surveys, an evaluation…

Qualitative data were gathered from trainers regarding best practices for supporting training transfer. Using content analysis, findings suggest interventions for bolstering transfer are best carried out in the work context and design/delivery phase, take place after training or during, and involve trainers and supervisors. However, trainers…

Purpose: The purpose of the current study is to examine the utility of Six Sigma interventions as a performance measure and explore its applicability for making the training design and delivery operationally efficient and strategically effective. Design/methodology/approach: This is a single revelatory case study. Data were collected from multiple…

Attempts to bridge the gap between the research literature on supervision and its application to evaluating individual supervisor effectiveness. Presents a conceptual framework for making decisions about evaluation, where the decision maker considers the purpose of evalution, the developmental stage of the counselor, and the focus of evaluation,…

Presents a model training protocol for case management of child sexual abuse cases and a training protocol for the development of case planning skills. Findings from an evaluation of case management skills suggest that child protective service workers need training in formulating goals and objectives and negotiating contracts with sexually abusive…

This basic course is designed for persons who have been involved in training but who lack apprenticeship in training theory, design, and delivery. The purpose of the course is to increase participants' knowledge of the following areas and skills: learning theory, group process, needs assessment, writing training goals and behavioral objectives,…

The article offers guidelines to educators evaluating controversial therapies and applies them to four such therapies: tinted lenses as a cure for dyslexia; orthomolecular treatments for learning disabilities; pharmaceutical intervention for dyslexia; and visual training for children with learning disabilities. (DB)

The article discusses autism in the birth to age two population in terms of early symptomatology and identification, early intervention as prevention, approaches to early assessment, and approaches to intervention. (DB)

This guide shows how principles of functional assessment can be applied to behavior problems of students with mental retardation to identify the behavior's purposes and plan for more effective intervention in classrooms, supported living settings, and work settings. It shows how to conduct a functional assessment and link assessment results to…

This source book focuses on helping people with autism manage their behavior by analyzing the learning environment and the purpose of the behavior and then teaching new skills and behaviors. Introductory material covers the approach's philosophy and the importance of a longitudinal program plan. A section on creating a physical environment for…

Two visually impaired children, aged 8 and 10, appeared to have severe difficulty in recognizing faces. After assessment, it became apparent that only one had unusually poor facial recognition skills. After training, which included matching face photographs, schematic faces, and digitized faces, there was no evidence of any improvement.…

The purposes of this study were to learn about: (1) ways of identifying children not accepted by their peers, (2) the behavioral correlates of peer acceptance, and (3) strategies of teaching social skills to isolated children. Sociometric assessment, behavioral observations, and teacher and peer interviews were obtained in eight 3rd-, 4th-, and…

This case study presents an assessment-intervention model for augmentative and alternative communication with a head-injured adolescent. The model addresses the client's needs and skills and also provides support and training for caregivers. The case study documents the adolescent's transition through a range of communication systems over a…

A professional development project was designed to support teachers in planning communication interventions with students having moderate/severe mental retardation. Special emphasis was on systemic and personal factors in adopting change and on training activities to foster application of skills. A program evaluation instrument focusing on teacher…