An expanded vision of evaluation is offered that accommodates the use of both descriptive information and evaluative information, and which connects evaluation in the naturalistic paradigm with evaluation in the rationalistic paradigm for making informed decisions within programs of education and development. The model of "Information Development…

This paper discusses the importance of an effective partnership between health services and early childhood programs, and examines ways that leaders in both service systems can cooperate to help caregivers, teachers, and parents raise healthy children. After examining the need for an improved partnership, the historic and contemporary role of a…

A model program was developed for helping parents, students, teachers, and businesspersons deal effectively with the interrelatedness of work and family responsibilities. Various research procedures, including focus group discussions and mail and telephone surveys administered to adolescent students' parents, and businesspersons in the Lubbock and…

A 1987 survey of college English departments revealed that only 74 (38%) of the 194 colleges surveyed offered students the opportunity to specialize in some aspect of writing in addition to literature. A 1992 survey showed that 69% of departments had begun to offer this specialization. Respondents outlined possibilities for organizing and…

This paper presents an analysis of existing professional development activities for international teaching assistants (ITAs), graduate students from abroad, at Canadian universities. It is based on Sork's Basic Elements of Program Planning model which highlights active elements in program planning. The first chapter discusses factors external to…

In career guidance, advocacy and self-advocacy encompass a continuum from adviser action separately on behalf of a client, through shared activity, to action by the client alone. Wherever individual clients fall on the continuum, advocacy can be conducted in a manner that empowers them. Modeling is an important aspect of the process of empowerment…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on the human resource development (HRD) function in organizations. In "Comparing Quality Profiles of Training Organizations--A Multi-Level Approach" (Martin Mulder), analysis of over 1,300 training projects indicates that variation in quality is almost entirely explained by the…

The goals of the School Mental Health Consultation Program, a cooperative effort of the Children and Youth Service at High Plains Mental Health Center and the Unified School District 489 in Hays, Kansas, are to evaluate students' behavioral problems, to assess how students' difficulties affect teachers, and to help the consultee assess the…

This document considers both self-examination and external evaluation of gifted and talented education programs. Principles of the self-examination process are offered, noting similarities to external evaluation models. Principles of self-evaluation efforts include the importance of maintaining a nonjudgmental orientation, soliciting views from…

This paper defines the Regular Education Initiative (REI) as encouraging both regular and special education personnel to work together more effectively to provide the best education possible for all children, by adapting the regular education environment to better accommodate the student's needs. The paper discusses the results of a statewide…

This paper presents a model for compensating school districts for implementing effective prereferral programs, in order to promote the most appropriate service delivery for all students. The model develops formulae based upon changes in regular and special education enrollment, and includes state monies allocated to special education. Variables in…

Through the years, many researchers have advanced theories of problem solving. Probably the best definition of problem solving to apply to adult learning programs is Wallas' (1926) four-stage theory. The stages are (1) a preparation, (2) an incubation period, (3) a moment of illumination, and (4) final application or verification of the solution.…

This paper describes the use of commercially-available software for the Apple Computer to augment diagnostic evaluations of learning disabled children and to enhance "learning to learn" strategies at the application/transfer level of learning. A short rationale discusses levels of evaluation and learning, using a model that synthesizes the ideas…

The position paper delineates the strengths and weaknesses of the resource consultant in serving mildly behaviorally impaired students in rural areas. Three models of consultation (purchase of expertise, doctor-patient, and process models) are described and advantages of each for classroom teachers are noted. Ways to increase the utilization of…

Basic evaluation research of interim programs (concentrated curricular periods separated from the traditional semester) has employed three conceptual models. The three are identified, significant studies using them are outlined, and a fourth model is presented and recommended for use. (Editor/JT)