The qualitative study reported here assessed the needs of agents related to new agent professional development to improve the current model. Agents who participated in new agent professional development within the last 5 years were selected to participate in focus groups to determine concerns and continued needs. Agents enjoyed networking and…

Across the United States, teachers and teacher educators are facing increased accountability for improved student achievement. Using assessment results to inform instruction provides a catalyst to improve student outcomes and is a key skill for preservice teacher candidates. The process of data-based decision making is integral to performance…

Sound approaches to needs assessment can assist practitioners in using resources effectively to improve program decision making. An analysis of uses of the term needs assessment provides the basis for discussing purposes and strategies. Following a critique of major approaches, practical suggestions are offered for conducting needs assessment…

Reviews the needs assessment studies described in this journal issue. Concludes that (1) lessons from completed needs assessments can help continuing education practitioners plan and conduct future studies, and (2) a rational, need-reduction, decision-making approach can improve continuing education programs. (CT)

Discusses reasons for the lack of effectiveness of management development programs and suggests solutions for improvement. Topics discussed include analysis of good management skills; motivation theory; popular psychology models; self discovery tests; management fads; insufficient skills practice; conducting a needs analysis; and performance based…

This report presents a plan of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education's Project FORUM to establish and implement the on-going process of identifying national program information needed for improving the management, administration, delivery, and effectiveness of programs and services under the Individuals with Disabilities…

After criticizing traditional inservice programs that rely on hastily prepared presentations by outside experts, the author proposes a two-part plan for a comprehensive ongoing inservice program based on needs assessment and close cooperation with a local university. Part II will appear in the November 1981 issue. (SJL)

This article describes a three-part evaluation process: (1) developing and designing the evaluation; (2) examining the information collected; and (3) refining and improving the art education program. (KC)

After listing factors that research and desegregation experience indicate impede desegregation success, the authors present a model that recommends identifying new, effective, researched, and nationally demonstrated programs that would address these factors. (JM)

The purpose of the research project was to develop a comprehensive evaluation model that could be used to revise and improve adult education programs. The Jefferson County School System was selected for testing the model, and the problem was to determine how adequately the system provided quality adult education programs to meet the needs of the…

This final report describes Project I-TIP (Inservice Training for Infant Personnel), a 3-year project which developed and demonstrated a comprehensive model of inservice training for personnel serving children with handicaps (ages 0-5 years). Specifically the project provided training at 17 sites to over 900 individuals. Training protocols were…

A comprehensive model for planning and evaluating secondary vocational education programs in Georgia was developed to assist the state's vocational supervisors and directors in planning and improving vocational programs so as to make them more effective in enhancing students' basic and employability skills. The model is based on the following…

A framework is described for the development of knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to conduct school planning and evaluation activities. The major issues pertaining to a building-based planning and evaluation model are discussed. The building-level approach is recommended because it results in greater efficiency in the development,…

In 1972-73, the Alabama State Department of Education along with the University of Alabama College of Education instituted an experimental program in two Alabama school systems. The program was designed to identify the districts' educational priorities to be submitted as part of proposals for federal funding. This report describes the steps in…

This document is designed to provide enough information for technical colleges and similar institutions to conduct their own focus visits. A focus visit is defined as a full-day activity that takes place on the campus during which a team of 10-25 individuals (program faculty, former and current students, technical college staff, advisory committee…