Two general areas of instructional validation are discussed: internal validation, which occurs within the framework of a single environment, and external validation, which involves the comparison of two different environmental frameworks. Several sample and basic designs are presented which may be used to validate instructional material. Two…

This paper presents an evaluation model for a partial hospitalization program. The evaluation instrument, the Functional Baseline System (FBS), is presented with its use in assessing program effectiveness and efficiency. (Author)

In a survey, clients and consultants agreed that actions fostering success are the following: agreeing on objectives and evaluation measures, providing flexible approaches, gaining commitment, and preparing the consultant. Both cited unclear/unrealistic objectives as a pitfall. To improve client/consultant success, guidelines can identify the…

There is general agreement that human services (i.e., services that depend on direct interpersonal contact between a deliverer and a client) are difficult to evaluate. The author points out some sources of this difficulty and proposes a strategy for the evaluation of human services delivery. (Author/GDC)

Life-like simulations used with 30 primary grade children given instruction in child abuse prevention determined that: (1) children receiving the instruction six months earlier maintained their lower vulnerability; (2) reteaching of the program reduced vulnerability for two of four children; and (3) the program was effective with the previous…

Three frequently used procedures for analyzing developmental outcomes (developmental age, developmental quotient, and prediction indices) were compared using data from an early intervention program for 29 handicapped children (birth to age three). The procedures led to different conclusions regarding program effectiveness. Alternative measures of…

Presents common attributes of effective evaluation systems, which are drawn from studies in Arizona, Michigan, and Vermont. Attributes include participant acceptance of validity, participant understanding of system mechanics and rationale, properly trained evaluators, a variety of evaluation methods, and evaluation as a district priority. (CJH)

Two measurement techniques, the traditional pre- and post-intervention comparison and a "post-then" comparison (in which subjects rate themselves after intervention as they see themselves presently and as they think they were before the intervention) were compared for an intervention to change counselor attitudes toward mental retardation. Change…

School-based sexual abuse prevention programs implemented in grades K-6 are summarized according to mode and content of presentation, audience and trainer characteristics, and program length. Means for conducting systematic evaluations of these programs are needed in order to enable educators to decide relative advantages and disadvantages of…

Used cross-sectional method for evaluating social service programs in industrial setting to estimate numbers of workers needing social services, levels of program use, and penetration and to examine program outcome. Workers served by social service or employee assistance programs can be examined to determine additional services needed, adequacy of…

A discussion of administrative program evaluation addresses the problem and opportunity of evaluation from the perspective of the administrator or institutional researcher by suggesting criteria for deciding on the need for formal evaluation, examining several evaluation design strategies, and looking at how evaluation can enhance organizational…

Several issues have arisen from evaluations of inservice education programs in British Columbia: why evaluate and whom to survey; how can much emerge from evaluations that do not meet even the simplest cannons for effective evaluation; and how will evaluation results be used. Evaluators now need to improve their craft. (DC)

Defines productivity as the ratio of outputs to inputs. Describes ways of using productivity measures in comparing instructional approaches, program implementations, and longitudinal trends. Offers cautions about potential misinterpretations of productivity comparisons, using a hypothetical analysis of the productivity of four specific…

The effect of microcomputers as testing tools was investigated in this study. The performance of students on a classroom evaluation and their attitude about computers were not affected when the evaluation was administered on a microcomputer. Time requirements for this method of testing were also tested. (Author)

The authors argue that relatively few local governments conduct rigorous cost-benefit evaluations of their supervisory training and management development programs. The authors conclude that more attention to upper-level evaluation is warranted and provide an evaluation grid with practical suggestions for each level of training program evaluation.…