Draws on findings from evaluations of recent reform initiatives in Alabama, North Carolina, and Ohio to suggest that performance-measurement systems for state child-welfare programs must adapt to changing circumstances, especially when improvements in one area can influence standards and expectations in others. (Author/KB)

Describes a model for conducting functional assessment in the home. The model uses a trans-disciplinary technical-assistance team to assess and plan interventions for young children with severe challenging behaviors. Discussion includes the kind of information needed, specific examples of data collection in the home, and the benefits and barriers…

Reports on a theoretical model of structured document indexing and retrieval based on the Dempster-Shafer Theory of Evidence. Highlights include passage retrieval, hypertext, relevance, information needs, implementation of the model, an evaluation scheme designed to test the model's effectiveness, and results of experiments that investigated…

Describes the implementation plans, experience, and results of incorporating performance measurement into the accreditation process of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Traces the evolution of standardized core measures known to be valid and reliable, noting political and technical problems in measure…

Uses three case studies from Norwegian industrial modernization programs (a formative evaluation, a summative evaluation, and an additionality analysis) to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of an evaluation tool called "chains of reasoning." Chains of reasoning uses text and a graphic image to present program activities and goals.…

Public library services are being modified or changed by the Internet. Questions about how to evaluate and measure electronic services have become increasingly important. This article presents an analysis of some ways to create, define, and institute electronic network measures. (Author/AEF)

Evaluated the Homeless Families Program implemented in nine cities to create systems change by restructuring systems of health and support services and housing and to develop and test a model of services-enriched housing for homeless families. Considers the evaluation as a case study of evaluation approaches and results presentation. (SLD)

After a discussion of the underutilization of cost analysis in education, this article offers several explanations for the relative scarcity of cost-based evaluations in education and considers the potential for greater use of such studies. Developing frameworks to unpack costs may be a way of bringing about greater use of cost-based evaluation.…

Identifies, classifies, and describes the range of cost studies in education and how they may contribute to improved policy analysis. Presents three examples illustrating applications of cost analysis, and reflects on key issues from previous applications in educational policymaking and evaluation. (SLD)

Describes Q methodology, a technique that can be used to gain important insights on individuals' judgments, attitudes, and points of view on topics or situations that involve early intervention effectiveness issues. Specific steps involved in Q methodology are illustrated in a description of an early intervention efficacy study. (Author/CR)

Describes an English teacher educator's changing views on assessment. Discusses four recent books that offer assessment strategies teachers can use to improve their instructional practice, to increase their own learning, and to enhance their programs. (RS)

Program evaluation uses hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to evaluate 99 ethnically diverse second-graders' growth in oral reading fluency using curriculum-based measurement (CBM). Results reveal that first-grade reading performance significantly predicted initial second-grade reading performance. Argues that the use of HLM with normative CBM…

Reviews the career literature published in 1999 that focused on issues related to the identification and implementation of career choices. Discussion is organized into three major areas: publications related to theoretical approaches; new assessment instruments; and career interventions and programs. (Contains 219 references.) (Author/GCP)

Describes the assessment process of the University of Virginia's Office of Financial Aid under the Standards of Excellence Peer Review Program of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Discusses the rationale for the review, preparation for it, and the actual review visit and ensuing reports. Offers five recommendations…

This study presents a model to explore the design of international virtual graduate programs, grounded in the theory of distance education. Results provide initial evidence suggesting that this new instrument can be useful to assess the quality of educational design in distance education. (Contains 67 references.) (Author/LRW)