Any evaluation plan designed to evaluate arts in general education programs must reflect a reconsideration of the whole process of education evaluation. The evaluation plan proposed here has been used effectively to evaluate either arts education or music education programs. (Author/RK)

It is argued that an emphasis on a method of evaluation prior to the actual beginning of a program can prove of great value to an administrator in shaping the program and explaining and defending it to boards and funding bodies. Evaluation methods are discussed. (Author/MS)

Evaluaton of teacher inservice is considered and several principles are offered, including that evaluation must be needs-based and innovative. The importance of three functions of evaluation is stressed: (1) planning, (2) implementation, and (3) impact. (CL)

In evaluating its science program, an independent New Jersey school was successful in using the model developed by the National Study of School Evaluation. (MD)

The author discusses the work of Britain's Assessment of Performance Unit, a national program of performance monitoring to identify the incidence of underachievement. (CL)

An ex ante benefit-cost analysis was conducted of applied tree improvement programs in the North Central Region from 1986 through the year 2030. Results for 24 tree species indicate that ex ante evaluation of the programs is difficult, but the intuition of professionals has built-in efficiency considerations. (TJH)

Program-theory approaches to evaluation have gained acceptability over the past 25 years as a means for examining conditions for implementation that are associated with better outcomes and developing detailed program theory. They have also gained confusion, as witnessed in the review of recent studies in this article. (Author/SLD)

Examined the stages of evaluation practice and use at a national multisite community service program with an internal evaluation department. Reviews challenges to evaluation use and organizational supports for it and discusses the integrated theory of use of K. Kirkhart (2000) at both site and national levels. Summarizes lessons learned in this…

Examined the empowerment evaluation approach in the context of a case study of three comprehensive communities' initiatives. Considers issues related to the evaluator's role, differences relative to other inclusive evaluation approaches, stakeholder involvement, evaluation context variables, and the concept and practice of empowering program…

Describes differences between program evaluation in the United States and international program evaluation. Also describes a number of promising developments and methodological approaches and suggests areas in which a closer exchange of experience between U.S. evaluation practitioners and their colleagues from developing countries could be…

Describes the development of the International Development Evaluation Association (IDEAS) and the context in which it will operate. This new wing of the international evaluation architecture has been designed to support development evaluators in tackling professional changes of the new century. (SLD)

The best kind of learning is that which never ends--and a culture of training means that staff will be more flexible and responsive to new ideas and strategies, imperative in today's libraries. In this practical resource, leading workplace trainers Reed and Signorelli offer guidance on improving the effectiveness of training programs. Their book…

This policy brief examines standards-based approaches that hold promise for shaping a common vision of skilled teaching commensurate with the national goal of preparing all students for college and careers. Numerous studies confirm that teachers are the most significant school-based factor in improving student achievement, particularly for the…