The Center for Educational Administrator Development (CEAD) utilizes a multifaceted, ongoing evaluation design to measure the impact of administrator inservice on personal growth and school climate. The Center's use of evaluative data for needs assessment, program monitoring, and summative evaluation is described. (SJL)

Evaluated an Even Start project in Maryland, using results from the National Evaluation of the Even Start Family Literacy Program for comparison. Found that participants significantly improved in their literacy skills, and that children of parents in the project were much more likely to be exposed to literacy activities such as library visits.…

In a culturally competent diabetes self-management intervention in Starr County, Texas, bilingual Mexican American nurses, dieticians, and community workers provided weekly instruction on nutrition, self-monitoring, exercise and other self-care topics. A biweekly support group promoted behavior change. Interviews and examinations with 256 Mexican…

Discusses the challenges involved in evaluating federal education programs that provide funds to schools and districts, such as Title I, but do not require a fixed set of activities, reflecting on previous evaluations of federal education funding streams, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of various evaluation designs, and making the case for…

Examined whether participating in the North Carolina Quality Enhancement Initiative improved the quality of 26 participating school-age child care programs. Found a significant increase in the quality of child care environments and teacher-child interaction over the 9-month period. State license and smaller group size related to higher quality…

Two elementary schools were studied over two years of a schoolwide program to improve service delivery to students with behavior problems. Program components included an advisory committee, schoolwide organizational practices, schoolwide classroom management intervention, and individual behavioral interventions. Target students displayed improved…

Examines the impact of affirmative action as to whether the consequences of discrimination have been eliminated and whether measures are in place to prevent discrimination from occurring in the future. Argues that affirmative action has been partially successful, but its ultimate goal has not been reached. Some concerns and limitations in…

An Ohio high school staff's action-research project examined effects of a recently implemented block-scheduling arrangement on student achievement, behavior, and student-teacher relations. Results support other research: students earned higher grade point averages, more students attained the honor roll, disciplinary referrals were reduced,…

This article summarizes findings presented in a report by the Audit Commission on the provision for children with disabilities. It discusses widespread dissatisfaction with student assessment, development of statements, resource allocation to support children with special educational needs, and procedures to ensure services are effective.…

Results from an evaluation of 11 academy programs in California high schools designed to reduce dropout rates in the state are reported for 1987-88. Results of the matched comparison study were generally positive, and the estimated net economic benefit from dropout prevention for 327 students was 1 to 1.3 million dollars. (SLD)

Explains a state standardized science program evaluation system that includes hands-on activities. Explains the syllabus, workshops, purpose of test, test features and its component parts including sample questions. (RT)

Different meanings of portfolio assessment are reviewed, and potential applications to program evaluation are explored. At present, portfolio assessments are not recommended as the primary source of evidence about the attainment of program goals in evaluations that compare curricula or programs because of the lack of validity and reliability…

This retrospective study evaluated an elementary pull-out program based on the Purdue Three-Stage Model. Perceptions of students and families when the students were seniors in high school indicated the program was seen as having a long-term positive impact on the cognitive, affective, and social development of most participating students.…

Features of programs that successfully blended the middle school (MS) model or cooperative learning (CL) model with gifted education were assessed. Site visits were made to five MS sites and five CL sites at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Studies showed that gifted students' needs can be met within these programs, with appropriate…

Examined the effects of attendance at a large-scale public school preschool program on children's school-related skills and the relationship of elements of program quality to the program's efficacy. Found that the program provided developmentally appropriate experiences for disadvantaged young children that contributed to increased skills in first…