Responds to "Autistic Recovery? An Analysis and Critique of the Empirical Evidence on the Early Intervention Project" (Gresham and MacMillan), which criticizes research showing the effectiveness of the UCLA Youth Autism Project program for children with autism. The article's misunderstandings are discussed and the program is explained. (CR)

Responds to "The UCLA Young Autism Project: A Reply to Gresham and MacMillan" (Smith and Lovaas), which criticized a review questioning the effectiveness of an intervention for children with autism. The Smith and Lovass article is described as defensive, factually inaccurate, and as not adequately addressing the question of external validity.…

The state validation process in New York identifies promising practices developed through the Elementary Secondary Education Act Title IV-C funding. The new validation procedures included in this handbook are revised to: (1) make the evaluation process easier to apply; (2) provide technical assistance in evaluating the project; (3) extend…

The Concept Shifting Test (CST) is a newly developed Trail Making Type test that measures concept shifting and executive functioning. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether CST performance was affected by age, gender, educational level, or handedness and to establish the normal range of test performance. The CST was…

This guide provides a brief overview of the issues involved in the validation process. It was developed for evaluators of adult education projects, such as 310 projects. The guide is organized in three sections. The first section discusses the rationale for validation. The second section describes the characteristics of validation models. The…

The estimation of the "size of effect" of educational programs is a difficult problem in program evaluation. It is argued that the intentions of the program and the nature of the measures must be known in order to estimate program effects. (JKS)

Critiques research findings on the effectiveness of the Early Intervention Project (EIP) for children with autism. The review finds sufficient threats to the experimental validity of the EIP to prevent unqualified endorsement of it as a validated treatment for children with autism. The review found in particular there were threats to external…

Research into the technical adequacy of statewide alternate assessments is limited. In this study, the authors analyzed 2 years of data from one state's alternate assessment in written language in an attempt to validate current test score interpretations. More than 1,000 students were included in each year. Findings support the test's technical…

This study examined a model of assessment that could be applied nationally for Year Twelve Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects and which could yield both a differentiating score and recognition of competence. More than fifty colleges across all states and territories of Australia field-tested the approach over one school year. Results…

This second volume of the Head Start Program and Cost Data Analysis Final Report analyzes data from sources other than the Head Start Program Information Report (PIR). The report is divided into three sections: Distributional Impact of Head Start Financing, Pilot Study of Program Compliance, and Recommendations for Secondary Data Analysis. The…

If art education is to be a required subject, it needs validation. Needed is an art curriculum development project, similar to 1960 projects in math and physics, that is sponsored by an agency respected both by the academic and school establishments and by the general public. (Author/RM)

The debate on accountability in terms of the nature and problems of higher education in Great Britain is reviewed. The extent to which validation serves as a means of accountability, and the question of whether the British political system can maintain its role in accountability is discussed. (MLW)

This report presents findings of an evaluation, conducted in 1994, of 10 Leadership in Accountability Demonstration (LAD) schools in the San Diego City Schools. The report provides information on the status of accountability implementation, particularly regarding the schools' recognition and intervention practices. The evaluation sought to…

Although the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 does not specify the primary purpose of the Special Emphasis Program, it is generally categorized as serving a dual function of research/demonstration and service delivery. A General Accounting Office (GAO) review was held to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the…

A model is outlined for providing reliable information on the effectiveness of teacher education programs for evaluation purposes. Six criteria for sound evaluation are established: (1) Evaluation should include opportunity possibilities for modification of the program; (2) Evaluation should include feedback from those active in the field of…