A liberal interpretation of Section 151 of Public Law 93-380, to implement effective local evaluation of Title I programs, is supported. Weaknesses are cited: (1) nationwide impact data, (2) unsound aggregation of Title I achievement gains, and (3) lack of consideration of alternative evaluation methods. (MH)

The explication model for program evaluation is based on the anthropological approach which attempts to reconcile scientific observation with human insights and judgment. This approach is not intended to judge the teacher, but to understand the relationships between the teacher's behavior, intended outcomes, and students' responses. (MH)

A collaboration between Outward Bound and Northeastern University allows a diverse group of 6-10 college students to participate in a community service learning project. Describes how the collaboration emphasizes "connected knowing," (the collective construction of knowledge) and reflective inquiry to increase the relevance of the…

This article describes the application of an interagency model to provide integrated services for children with disabilities in the Republic of Palau, a former United States Pacific island trust territory. Emphasis is on complying with Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act through indigenous people working together with…

Suggests a curriculum for rural and small-town schools that combines bilingual education in local languages (indigenous, heritage, or immigrant languages) with global, multicultural education. Discusses benefits to students and community, and ways that the model overcomes typical rural constraints of inflexible school organization; administrative…

Reviews the results of a 1991 U.S. Department of Education report entitled "A Descriptive Study of Significant Features of Exemplary Special Alternative Instructional Programs." The features of nine exemplary special alternative instructional programs are described that appeared to contribute to positive outcomes for students from diverse…

Small rural schools incur greater expense and hardship to take advantage of staff development activities, usually held in cities or universities. The Iowa Intervention Initiative (III) overcame practical and logistic problems to hold teacher workshops for 79 small rural Iowa schools. Discusses III goals, recruitment of participants, selection and…

This paper presents a schema for measuring the effects of prevention programs in mental retardation, using 43 items that are quantifiable, accessible, and pertinent to disability outcomes. The items relate to service indicators, risk indicators, and incidence/prevalence information in the prenatal, perinatal, and childhood periods. (Author/JDD)

A resource components cost model was used to establish accurate benchmark cost and resource use estimates from two special schools for youth with moderate and severe mental retardation located within metropolitan area school districts. An accounting framework is presented that can be replicated for assessing service costs and for decision making.…

Describes components that have enabled service learning at the University of Colorado to evolve into a fully funded, legitimate academic program: guidelines for faculty incorporating service into curriculum; five models of service learning; expectations of faculty, students, and community; assessment of teaching, research, and outreach…

This article describes the results of the VIISA Outreach Project, a well-received in-service training model for personnel who work with infants and young children with visual impairments, which has been in existence since 1991 in 23 states. The program combines home study with on-site courses taught by experienced instructors. (Contains 11…

Presents the elements of a scaffolding model in early childhood teacher preparation programs. Describes the theoretical foundations provided by Piaget, Vygotsky, and Dewey. Discusses supports in the scaffold for preservice teachers including child development knowledge and national standards, the role of technology, modeling appropriate…

Examined whether preschool quality could be enhanced through competence development in teaching staff simultaneous to organizational changes and financial cutbacks. Tested a model for competence development with an intervention group that took part in a competence development program. Found that the development work led to a higher quality in…

Comprehensive school reform (CSR) is only as effective as its implementation. By using data collected for the National Longitudinal Evaluation of Comprehensive School Reform (NLECSR), this article explores the factors that predict CSR model implementation and the ways that CSR model implementation varies. We found little difference in the fidelity…

Providing high-quality student services to students enrolled in distance education programs is a critical link to the academic success of this growing student population. (Contains 7 figures.)