Utilization should be defined according to the evaluation approach used and the purposes established for it. By developing a matrix that includes the dimensions of utilization and the various evaluation approaches, it is possible to plan and conduct evaluations that increase the likelihood of the desired type of utilization. (Author/LC)

Using legislative history in an evaluation is seen as an audit activity seeking to hold the program(s) to the intent of the legislators. Five major sources for legislative history, seven acceptable sources of information, and a five-step guide for developing a legislative history are presented. (Author/PN)

Provides background information on the move toward competency testing in composition and the subsequent implications for college writing instructors. Examines problems inherent to developing a comptency based program at the college level and what composition teachers need to be aware of regarding such testing. (HTH)

Describes some of the salient issues and how they were dealt with during the development and delivery of a multilevel evaluation of a large human relations training program in a federal agency. Nine references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Describes three categories of computer-based information systems for career guidance (batch process, online information retrieval, and online career guidance), addresses the issue of effectiveness, and discusses the approach to system selection used for the Illinois Career Information Delivery System (CIDS) Feasibility Study. Thirty-one references…

Describes the evolution of national educational assessment in the United States, its present stage of development, methodological and reporting problems, and approaches applicable to assessment data. Examines how proposed approaches can be applied in the California Assessment Program and in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (MJL)

Outlines for the beginning group counselor a method for organizing and evaluating the ongoing group experience. Defines the specific categories and describes the method by which the outline can be used. (RC)

This paper describes eight problems faced by a school district evaluator in evaluating state-funded, compensatory education programs: determining evaluation ownership, determining the major constraints, determining what to evaluate, determining what methods to use, determining participant characteristics, determining instrumentation, determining…

Practical suggestions to an evaluator are presented. It is seen as essential that an evaluator who would influence decision making through research realize that the research in which he engages, the data collected, and the analysis and interpretation are influenced by the values of the institution that the evaluator serves. (MLW)

Evaluation systems aimed primarily at helping administrators and faculty in the governance and administration of institutions (for improvement in curriculum, services, or research or reallocation of resources) are discussed. A formal evaluation system involves the establishment, maintenance, and operation of an information system. (MLW)

Explains a procedure to avoid the detrimental biases of conventional self-reports of training outcomes. The evaluation format provided is a method for using statistical procedures to increase the accuracy of self-reports by overcoming response-shift-bias. (Author/MER)

This paper is designed to guide the novice through the decision-making process of developing the evaluation component of a grant application. The accompanying table summarizes the issues and suggests activities that may be useful in resolving them. A discussion of each issue follows. (CT)

Experiences in prior learning programs are discussed by three adult learners. The College of New Rochelle's Life Experience Portfolio Program, Marylhurst Education Center's Prior Learning Program, and Ohio University's Prior Learning Program are summarized. (MLW)

The comprehensive model for evaluating nursing education programs is described in terms of what is evaluated; who conducts the evaluation; and why it is conducted. A structure for further action and decision making is also presented. (GDC)

Examines the arguments of three educators (J. P. White, D. Cochrane, and B. Crittenden) who have criticized instructional attempts to expand children's creativity. While flaws in theory and practice are admitted, it is maintained that the critics apply standards to creative education that are not applied to general classroom teaching. (Author/SJL)