Programs to educate severely handicapped children have usually been evaluated with respect to student achievement. Although this approach is reasonable, a multivariate approach that examines the impact on the child's family may be more relevant. Programs to teach the parents and to reduce institutionalization should also be studied. (GDC)

Further development of research regarding the effectiveness of parent education programs depends upon a shift in conventional strategies of program evaluation. Current evaluation methods have been dominated by an interest in the outcomes of parent education programs. It is suggested that program evaluations should examine relationships between…

Four evaluation studies concerning the relationship between parent behaviors/attitudes and child achievement are presented. In each study, parental data were obtained either by direct observation or lengthy face-to-face interviews. In all four studies, significant relationships were found between parental measures and child achievement. (Author/LC)

This evaluation identified outcomes of participation in Minnesota's Early Childhood and Family Education program. A case study approach was used to assess the impact of program participation. A positive reaction to the program was noted, and certain changes in family functioning were attributable to participation. (DWH)