A model is presented to demonstrate that systematic evaluation by design or planned, purposeful evaluation of recreational programs is possible. The evaluation model concepts of control group, randomization, and pretest and posttest are explained. (JN)

Examined the effectiveness of a training program designed to teach mental health professionals information and skills specific to counseling the elderly client. Women (N=28) and men (N=4) completed the 12-hour training program. Results indicated that participants showed statistically significant gains on the two major assessment devices. (Author)

In the development of a seventh/eighth grade basketball program for boys, it was determined that excessive competition should be avoided. Several objectives were formed around the primary theme of maximum participation: having fun, improving fundamental skills, and maintaining players' level of interest. (JN)

Focused on the program evaluation activities of high school counselors. Data obtained indicated school counselors evaluated about 40 percent of guidance program activities included in a questionnaire, but only 19 percent were formally evaluated. This compares with 36 percent reported for formal follow-up studies ten years earlier. (Author/RC)

The ultimate goal of continuing education programs is to bring about improvement in health education. Evaluations of these programs rarely indicate significant change. Problems with evaluations and with continuing education programs are discussed. (JN)

There is a need for better evaluation of teacher education programs. This article spotlights the need for a conceptual model which can serve as a framework for the evaluation of teacher education programs and provide the basis for collaboration among institutions engaged in these efforts. (JD)

A career center may be identified by an emphasis on information services, self-help procedures, developmental planning for career choice, and a resource linkage and coordinated referral service. (Author)

Research on training counselors and clinicians demonstrates that several behavioral training components effectively aid trainees in acquisition of relatively discrete therapist skills. However, limitations in methodological sophistication and in the development or procurement of valid dependent measures render these promising results tentative…

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)

Strasser and Deniston's own analysis (TM 504 254) shows that post-planned evaluations are unsuitable substitutes for pre-planned evaluations. When viewed as post-experimental interviews, however, post-planned evaluations can produce valuable information which complements traditional experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations. (MH)

After briefly describing the Community Experiences for Career Education project, this paper discusses 11 evaluation strategies used with the project, assesses the strengths and limitations of each, shows some relationships among them, discusses ways of communicating evaluation findings, and suggests selection criteria to others planning multiple…

Presents summarized evaluations of nine specific career education projects, each of which illustrates one or more problems of evaluating the elusive aspects of career education. Part of a theme issue on career education evaluation. (Editor/SJL)

Argues that, "If we are going to assess and evaluate creatively and in ways which reflect the organic complexity of the schools, we must begin to describe the methods of actual evaluation processes. We must move away from evaluations that exclusively concern professions and toward those that are the responsibility of persons at all levels."…

Presents preliminary evaluation findings from Florida's Juvenile Justice Educational Enhancement Program that explore the relationships between educational program quality and program characteristics. Several program characteristics are found to be related to measurements of educational program quality, including proportion of teachers who are…

Reviews recent research about program and school evaluation, including studies of qualitative evaluation methods, replicability in program evaluation, assessment of equity in schools, triangulation, site-based management, approaches to evaluating staff development activities, state reform efforts, and educational inequality. (DMM)