In this commentary, we examine Braverman's insights into the trade-offs between feasibility and rigor in evaluation measures and reject his assessment of the trade-off as a zero-sum game. We, argue that feasibility and policy salience are, like reliability and validity, intrinsic to the definition of a good measure. To reduce the tension between…

Examines budgetary cutbacks in federal data systems. Concludes that (1) justifications for cutbacks are unconvincing; (2) cutbacks have affected data availability and quality severely; (3) the feasibility of the idea that major data users should collect their own information is dubious; and (4) special evaluation studies cannot substitute for…

"Black box" evaluation considers program input and outcomes (what) without considering process (how and why). A broader approach to evaluation based on implementation process theory explores the social system context of programs and provides information useful for improving them. (SK)

Identifies the purpose and need for a vocational evaluation process in the correctional setting. Discusses the five steps in such a process: preliminary intake procedure, primary data gathering, hypothesis formulation phase, hypothesis testing phase, and outcome and/or follow-up. CCT)

The applicability of conventional measurement techniques in the assessment and evaluation of a middle school educational program has been disputed. The objectives of this program include assisting students in the development of several areas. Among these are independence, healthy self concepts, viable ethical and value systems, socially…

The author proposes using an action research model to diagnose, develop, implement, and evaluate a career development (CD) program that fits the needs and goals of the organization. Phases of a CD program development plan (data gathering, analysis and synthesis, feedback, program development, pilot implementation, and tracking) are examined. (CT)

Notes that program evaluations have many dimensions and that systematic efforts to evaluate an enrichment or intervention program require much decision making. Discusses factors affecting choice of evaluation measure, focuses for evaluation measures, factors affecting data collection (including family variables, screening versus psychometric…

Arguing that "needs assessment" is too vaguely defined, this paper considers the term's location within the planning field, compares two variants of the discrepancy model (classical versus social welfare approaches), and reflects on the assumptions and implications imbedded in needs assessment technocracy. Includes 16 notes and 26 references. (MLH)

Evaluation of a middle school humanities program is the focus of this report. It explains how to identify information needs and set priorities, how to obtain information from a variety of sources, and what to do with the data collected in terms of formulating recommendations for the school board. The variety of evaluation approaches presented are…

Analyzes data from a juvenile diversion program which seem to indicate that as program services increased, the likelihood of participant recidivism increased. Maintains that the unexpected findings resulted from flaws in data recording within the program and suggests that program designs should incorporate evaluation strategies in order to ensure…

This paper describes eight problems faced by a school district evaluator in evaluating state-funded, compensatory education programs: determining evaluation ownership, determining the major constraints, determining what to evaluate, determining what methods to use, determining participant characteristics, determining instrumentation, determining…

With constant changes taking place in the practice of public relations, evaluation and modification are requisite to maintaining a competitive degree program with competitive graduates. Whether a program is in the process of being developed or is being evaluated for certification or reaccreditation, it is critical to look to current and future…

Aimed at persons planning and implementing strategies for documenting school improvements, this paper is comprised of four sections. The first section distinguishes between national problems in education and federal issues in education (a distinction considered necessary for planning evaluations and establishing priorities for federally sponsored…

The rising demand for accountability has had a great influence on the design and use of management information systems. The purposes of accountability, needs assessment, and program evaluation would be well served if a set of indlcators could include information about the outcomes of higher education. (MLW)

When different individuals operating in different contexts implement similar innovations, they approach the various parts of the innovation in different ways. When assessed according to the research procedures used to study innovation implementation at the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas at Austin,…