Criticisms of traditional approaches to the assessment of student abilities and instructional program design are reviewed and alternative, dynamic approaches are suggested. A major feature of the suggested approaches is assistance to influence student performance and thus reveal the potential for change. The approaches are categorized and examined…

Progress in evaluation of dispute mediation efforts and results of a survey of directors of 95 mediation programs in 25 states are discussed. Thirty-nine directors provided their evaluation instruments. Results provide insights into purposes/contents of evaluations, compliance rates, satisfaction with mediators, mediator effectiveness, and…

Modifies Ned Flanders'"Flanders' Interaction Analysis Categories" (FIAC) so that it becomes an effective, evaluative tool to guide tutors and administrators as they define tutors' roles. (RS)

The author defines job analysis and discusses applications of this process in human resource development. Various techniques of job analysis are reported. The author presents a 12-item job analysis schedule used to report job information obtained through observations and interviews. (Author/CH)

Developed a three-part rating system for computer-based career information delivery systems in the areas of comprehensiveness, accuracy, and effectiveness. Used system to rate five popular computer-based systems (C-LECT, CHOICES, CIS, DISCOVER, and GIS). Four systems were evaluated as being very similar, with CIS receiving highest scores.…

Describes a training program evaluation instrument--the Training Impact Questionnaire--which assesses the application of a specific skill to work tasks. Suggests ways of using the questionnaire in communication training programs. (MM)

Different dimensions of evaluation utilization and evaluator strategies for stimulating use are discussed, in terms of designing a formal evaluation utilization system. While the need exists to improve the design process, there is no simple formula. Evaluators should see part of their function as creating a repository of knowledge. (SLD)

Outlines a method designed to protect the public's health by simply and systematically prioritizing food service operations for inspection and evaluation. Discusses the method, implementation, and results of a program for the city of Plano, Texas. (LZ)

The five articles of this special section focus on the quantitative-qualitative debate in program evaluation. This section focuses on philosophical aspects of program evaluation, making it clear that the issues are far more complex than the simple quantitative-qualitative dichotomy described by T. S. Kuhn (1970) implies. (SLD)

Presents the design and implementation of a deductive object-oriented database which is built upon a formally defined data model that uses two languages: an imperative programming language called ROCK (Rule Object Computation Kernel), and a logic language called ROLL (Rule Object Logic Language). (LRW)

Discusses the actual evaluation procedures of magnet schools from several standpoints, including evaluation methodology, using actual evaluations, and new evaluation research areas. (SR)

Highlights need for collaboration, integration, and expansion in designing evaluation models for career development programs. Outlines fledgling evaluation model that began to emerge at Symposium on Issues and Solutions for Evaluating Career Development Programs and Services. Notes that model addresses dimensions critical in evaluation of career…

Evaluators vary in their propensity to make direct valuative judgments of program worth. The decision to include recommendations with a report or provide merely descriptive evaluation depends on individuals' perspectives concerning the nature of reality, truth and values, human agency, and informational utility. (SLD)

The following four integrative data analysis strategies for mixed-method evaluation designs are derived from and illustrated by empirical practice: (1) data transformation; (2) typology development; (3) extreme case analysis; and (4) data consolidation and merging. Use of these methods to realize the full potential of mixed-method approaches is…

Contends that educational reform strategies that feature measurement-driven instruction as their centerpiece are often maligned as "quick fixes." Although asserting that measurement-driven instruction has potential benefits, notes that assessment experts should share their knowledge with policymakers to avoid ineffective strategies. (Author/NB)