Program evaluation is an important part of Extension, especially with the increased emphasis on metrics and accountability. Agents are often the point persons for evaluation data collection, and Web-based surveys are a commonly used tool. The iPad tablet with Internet access has the potential to be an effective survey tool. iPads were field tested…

A team at the University of Minnesota conducted the Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (CETP) core evaluation between 1999 and 2004. The purpose of the CETP core evaluation was to achieve consensus among CETP project leaders and project evaluators on evaluation questions; to develop, pilot, and field test evaluation instruments…

In December 2007, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation gave MDRC a grant to conduct reconnaissance on promising strategies to reengage disconnected young people and improve their long-term outcomes. The primary objective of the grant was to identify key leverage points for future investment by government and foundations. MDRC consulted with…

This article presents the universal design features that were identified during the alpha development of a scheduler software program, known as MySchoolDayOnline, for use in schools, and provides preliminary research on the usability of these features. The study presented here investigated the accessibility and usability of MySchoolDayOnline for…

A test battery was prepared for use in assessing the effectiveness of Head Start and similar programs in fostering young children's development. The instruments were designed to measure program effects on several dimensions of the cognitive, social-emotional, and applied strategies domains. Specific competencies measured are presumed to define in…

A procedure was developed for on-site evaluation of replications of exemplary programs that emphasized the replication of the functions accomplished rather than the processes performed. Program functions are defined as operational purposes. A functional analysis begins with identifying program components; describing them fully; and then listing…

Describes a project designed to create instructional materials in entrepreneurship for secondary vocational students. Steps discussed include selection of small businesses to be treated in modules, determination of module content, guidelines for presentation of module content, and results of field test and expert review. (CT)

This paper reports the results of two semesters of experience using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to teach topics in program evaluation to undergraduate and graduate psychology students at California State University, Long Beach. (The topics addressed are models of evaluation, evaluability assessment, needs assessment, experimental and…

The results of field-testing a substance-abuse treatment protocol are reported. Ten probation and parole officers were trained in Structured Relapse Prevention, and 55 clients were treated. Incentives and barriers to treatment are highlighted. The use of this type of field test as a dissemination technique is discussed. (EMK)

A case study of the Arthritis Self-Care Project, a rural community intervention in Virginia, demonstrates the importance of process evaluation in determining the actual independent variable. Instances of reinvention uncovered by the study are explored, and suggestions are provided for dealing with the reinvention inevitable in field research. (TJH)

Evaluates a school-choice pilot program in New York City funded by the School Choice Scholarship Foundation. School-choice students in grades four and five achieved substantially higher scores in math and reading. Compares and evaluates school-choice programs in Milwaukee (Wisconsin), San Antonio (Texas), and Cleveland (Ohio) schools. (MMU)

Can a professional committee have any impact, even indirectly, on the well-being of children? The Child Development Committee of the Maternal and Child Health Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA) was established in October 1976 with the hope of responding to this challenging question. The Committee determined that one ideal…

A field test evaluated "Auto Mechanics I" curriculum materials developed and published by the Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center, Oklahoma State Department of Vocational and Technical Education. The results and conclusions reported relate to student achievement and teacher evaluation and comments for each of the 23 units of…

This paper is an evaluation of a curriculum guide designed to promote better eating habits in young children through educating teens as child care workers and future parents. The curriculum guide was initially field tested in two occupational child care classrooms in Minneapolis. The overall purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether the…

InterGeo II, a project of the Commission on Geographical Education (CGE) of the International Geographical Union (IGU), has developed a broadly based, field-trialed testing instrument for making cross-national comparisons of achievement in geography. Field trials of InterGeo II were held in 23 countries. Data were analyzed for national achievement…