An overview of debated issues related to the benefits and disadvantages of inclusive schooling. The beliefs of districts, school personnel and parents are widely differing as related to the placement of students with special needs in inclusive settings. The examples of current federal laws help to shape the debate of full inclusion in schools…

This article describes the stages of a formative evaluation process for a professional development project. It was designed to support teachers in urban schools as they implement student-centered practices. The four stages of the evaluation that can serve as a road map for this type of collaboration are: (1) the program vision and anticipated…

This report presents results from a planned comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of Different Ways of Knowing (DWoK) for the Middle Grades in "Cohort I" schools. Cohort I consists of 15 schools in California, Kentucky, New York, and Texas that began implementation of DWoK for the Middle Grades in 2001-02, and thus have completed their…

Differences in program goals, theory, populations served, methods, duration, staff, and evaluation measures make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of different infant intervention programs. Formative evaluation is suggested as a way of ensuring that programs are being carried out. Where effectiveness is in doubt, process evaluation can…

Process evaluation of a residential alcohol and drug treatment program for the homeless, the New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project, found that treatment effects were in a positive direction, but were rarely significant. Retention in treatment for more than a few months was associated with more positive outcomes. (SLD)

Professional development has moved from the periphery of teachers' professional lives to center stage, clearly recognized today as one of the key factors that shape teachers' ability to reach and teach all students successfully. To be effective, any professional development program must pay close attention to changes in teacher classroom…

A collaboration of postsecondary institutions nationwide undertook a project to apply research in developing methods and materials to help instructors more fully include students with disabilities in their courses. These institutions conducted a needs assessment; developed content and delivery modes; undertook a rigorous formative evaluation;…

To adequately prepare preservice teachers to implement inclusive classrooms, teacher preparation programs must encourage professional interaction, collaboration, and knowledge about inclusion. Although some of these skills can be presented in coursework, prospective teachers must be provided with opportunities to practice these skills in classroom…

Community development partnerships for youths offer valuable resources for school improvement. Unfortunately, these resources may not be tapped because school leaders have not been prepared to understand these partnerships. The evaluative research reported partnership-related understanding, aiming to prepare leaders to contribute to, and benefit…

Research has shown that an effective assessment of workplace literacy programs requires both formative and summative evaluations. Workplace literacy program impact is best measured using a mixture of standard assessment tests and custom-designed instruments. A broader conception of adult literacy learning can be assessed by using interviews and…

The military theme at Northeast Law, Public Service, and Military High School in Kansas City, Missouri, was evaluated during its second year of implementation (the 1990-91 school year). After a shaky start, the second year brought increased stability to the program. Program objectives were in place, and all military theme staff had been hired by…

The effects of a multi-phased assessment on the management and modification of Federal special education programs and policy is discussed. The purposes and methodology of the three-part assessment procedures (evaluability assessment, rapid feedback assessment, and the performance monitoring system) are presented. This is followed by a description…

The Beginning Teacher Program in the Dade County Public Schools, Florida was developed to facilitate beginning teachers' attainment of specific generic teaching competencies through supervised support for a full school year. This report examines how many mandated and other procedures in the program were implemented and to what extent the teaching…

Local evaluations of clinical training programs in psychology are generally conducted from a formative perspective, necessitating careful examination of the training structure, process, and results. To learn about and document the extent of local training evaluation enterprises, two national surveys that solicited general program information,…

The intent of this paper is to illustrate the use of stakeholder information in evaluating a school program. The material presented is part of a comprehensive formative evaluation of a crisis intervention program operated by a suburban school district situated near a large industrial city in the Midwest. The crisis intervention program provided…