Provides a methodology for selection of an expert support system (ESS) in an emergency management training environment. A decision matrix construct for selection of an ESS for casualty disposition training at Emergency Preparedness Canada is presented, and four system options of simulation models that deal with emergency management are described.…

Describes a public library program designed to stimulate appreciation of adult fiction written in and about the contemporary western United States. Discussion covers project objectives, oral interpretation of literature, project phases, study guides and bibliographies, staff orientation, lectures, evaluators, personnel, publicity, problems, and…

A set of guidelines for evaluating interactive multimedia used in college instruction is offered in the form of 10 "commandments" illustrated with humorous anecdotes. They stress descriptive approaches to research and evaluation, including modeling methods that integrate quantitative and qualitative data. (Author/MSE)

A national survey of 133 secondary vocational educators examined practices and perceptions toward grading students with disabilities. The majority of respondents included a competency-based grading component, believed that student effort should be used to determine grades, and had never been involved in their students' Individualized Education…

Several dimensions of early identification of disabling conditions are discussed, including the relationship between early identification and prevention. Preventative components are described for child find, screening, assessment, and program planning. Assumptions behind screening and assessment guidelines are discussed, emphasizing the assumption…

This article describes the use (in Minneapolis, Minnesota) of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) to monitor reading progress, including development of CBM reading probes, administration and scoring of the CBM reading test, determination of appropriate measurement levels, setting of long-range goals, and program evaluation. Research in this area is…

This case study describes an unsuccessful research proposal submitted in response to a request for applications for projects to implement and evaluate up to 18 innovative programs for homeless persons with alcohol or other drug problems. This unsuccessful proposal reflects several tensions inherent in evaluation research. (SLD)

The evolution of environmental education (EE) in elementary, secondary, and higher education in Italy is described, focusing on its role in curricula, trends in awareness, an international agency's research program on EE, values underlying EE, a suggested educational model, and use of an indicator system for evaluating educational quality. (MSE)

The Consent Screening Interview was developed to enable consumers with mental retardation to express views and preferences about community residential placements and indicate to service providers their ability to give informed consent. Analysis of content and construct validity and interrater reliability, involving 69 subjects, revealed that the…

Describes a desktop publishing project that uses computer-assisted instruction to engage students with severe behavioral problems in a more active learning environment. Topics discussed include the reinforcement from computers; benefits of computer-assisted instruction; hardware and software selection; staff training; evaluation; and future…

School principals and senior school administrators evaluated an inservice training program in which they had participated. Half evaluated the course individually, and half evaluated it in three-person groups. Results are discussed in terms of group dynamics theory and the validity of such evaluation methods. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the diversity of academic library users and the need for community awareness planning, and describes a program developed at Bowling Green State University libraries that evolved around a celebration of National Library Week. Topics discussed include free computer searches, displays and exhibits, publicity, read-a-thons, fundraising, and…

Presents a model for evaluating performance-based instruction that is intended for use by human resource development/performance technology professionals. Highlights include goal setting; program design and implementation; evaluating the use and impact of training; instructional tasks, including sequencing; quality of student products; and…

Provides short synopsis of biochemical education leading to a master of science degree at the University of Gulbarga, India. Discusses admissions policy, teaching methods, seminar availability, evaluation schemes, student input, current research areas and projects, and liaison with other institutions and industry. (JJK)

The experience of the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District in using a policy-oriented report (the chart essay), rather than using a methods-oriented report, to communicate evaluation findings is described. Resulting changes in the research and evaluation department, and implications of use of a chart essay are discussed. (SLD)