A statistical method, Fishers Table of t (or t ratio), is used to determine the statistical significance of a comparison of results from pretests and post-tests of knowledge and skill taken by training program participants. A statistically significant improvement can demonstrate training effectiveness. (MS)

A case is made for, and three examples are given of the use of, "participation evaluation" in classroom, college, and state education program evaluation. This approach is based on feedback from program participants. (MDR)

A continuation of a two-part article about performance appraisal programs, this part examines program design and implementation. Topics covered include a systems approach, designing forms and establishing procedure, and maintaining the program. (TA)

Describes a program of early intervention in the cases of youthful adult offenders appearing before a district court that was developed by a probation officer, a career developer, an administrative assistant-coordinator, and three probation aides in the Brockton, Massachusetts district court. (Author/RK)

Program theory and implementation process theory contribute, respectively, to specifying the what and the why of program delivery. This article discusses the relationship between these two theories and the types of data collection methods that can be derived from each in order to contribute to more comprehensive evaluation designs. (JAZ)

A study is reported of the use of simulations as a method of assessing pharmacy doctoral candidates' efficiency of information retrieval, recognition of therapeutic incompatibilities, recommendation of alternatives, communication skills, familiarity with drug information resources, and apparent knowledge base. (MSE)

This article reviews and analyzes the literature from 1980 through 1983 dealing with summative evaluation of training and development efforts in industry and business. An analysis is made to determine to what extent evaluation process components used by professional program evaluators are addressed by each of the articles reviewed. (CT)

Two case studies provide examples of citizen and program participant involvement in program evaluation. The Reflective Appraisal of Programs at Cornell Cooperative Extension involves volunteer interviewers of participants; the Lancaster County (Pennsylvania) Office of Mental Health/Mental Retardation is reviewed by a volunteer citizens' committee.…

Remarks of nationally recognized leaders in gifted education are summarized from a 1982 meeting to discuss development of preschool gifted programs in Louisiana. Discussion focuses on identification, curriculum, teacher preparation, evaluation, and parent participation. (CL)

Federal evaluations in education contributed in numerous and important ways to changes in law, regulation, and management. Information about implementation contributed most often, but information about outcomes, cost, and federal administration also made contributions. These findings differ from previous research that concluded evaluations do not…

Presents a format for the assessment, evaluation, and comparison of the impact of encounter groups, illustrated by an evaluation of an encounter group of six students. The assessment procedure indicated desirable changes along several dimensions, but beneficial effects were not extensive. Emphasized the need for multimethod assessment. (JAC)

Parents, policymakers, business leaders, and the general public increasingly recognize the importance of the first few years in the life of a child for promoting healthy physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development. Whether the evidence comes from sophisticated research by brain scientists or the simple observation of the…

This guide details what coalitions and organizations need to do to insure the enforcement and judicial communities are active partners in the effort to reduce underage drinking. One of the first tasks discussed is the necessity for groups to understand the needs and concerns of law enforcement and to recognize that underage drinking enforcement…

This digest examines features of both process and impact evaluations to help officials of youth programs assess the programs for which they are responsible. With proper planning, evaluation can be part of a program without having to compete for attention and resources with the services the program is trying to provide. A process evaluation…

If museums and libraries are to compete for both public and private funds in an accountability-driven environment, they must develop evaluation practices that provide the most compelling picture of the impact of their services. The two essays in this document present clear arguments for the adoption of a specific approach to evaluation known as…