Using a stratified random sample and real-time virtual focus group sessions, we evaluated the regional administrative model, addressing personnel supervision, program direction, financial management, and administrative leadership. We concluded that the regional administrative model remains a highly charged topic, there is no common understanding…

Developing an online resource site for Extension master gardener (EMG) coordinators is an ongoing project for Extension collaborators. Begun in 2014, the website includes peer-reviewed resources focused on best practices in volunteer management and program administration. The website is organized according to nine resource categories (e.g.,…

This chapter explores how the structure of large complex organizations such as Cooperative Extension affects their ability to support internal evaluation of their programs and activities. Following a literature review of organizational structure and its relation to internal evaluation capacity, the chapter presents the results of interviews with…

This leadership education evaluation study explored the leadership development outcomes of potential county extension directors and the ways to improve the program. The leadership education program aimed to improve participants' leadership abilities in understanding self, building relationships and managing resources. The analysis of quantitative…

The goals of cooperative extension in one western state are examined. A method of identifying goals in extension is described. The goals of separate program areas are also reported. Five hypotheses concerning organizational goals of extension are tested. The author describes the discovery of a significant relationship between employee evaluations…

Minnesota Extension Service's framework of quality indicators for program management/evaluation includes (1) problem selection (important, focused, grounded); (2) commitment (timely, credible, capacity); (3) strategy implementation (results oriented, responsive, feasible, flexible, systematic); and (4) review (utility, evidence, follow-through).…

Two studies at North Carolina State University illustrate ongoing efforts to assess the impact of extension programs. Also considered are two ways in which findings can be useful to program administrators. (CT)

This monograph was developed to serve as a conceptual guide for extension educators facilitating or conducting life-cycle program management workshops focused on any of the life-cycle stages of problem finding, program design, program development, program implementation, program maintenance and improvement, and program redirection. This second…

Outlines and describes the five basic steps used in Texas to set up and operate an outreach center for continuing education in nursing. These steps consist of the following: (1) establish and clear policies with administration of sponsoring institution, (2) select outreach center personnel, (3) select advisory committee, (4) plan program offering…

This study traced the historical development of adult education in the Montana University System, ascertained present adult education practices and philosophies in the system, investigated implementation of the centralized control of adult education within the system, and formulated recommendations for future adult education programs in its six…

This study was undertaken to compare the judgments of leaders in adult education regarding the importance of certain guidelines for planning and executing programs of university continuing education centers with the degree to which these guidelines were followed by selected university continuing education centers during the first six months of…

IN CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS OF ITS EXTENSION DIVISION, THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN PUBLISHED THE STORY OF ITS CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROGRAM, WHICH OUTLINED FACTORS AFFECTING ITS DEVELOPMENT. A PREDICTED INCREASE OF ENROLLMENT WAS ATTRIBUTED TO SUCH FACTORS AS FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO SERVICEMEN AND INCREASED ACCEPTANCE OF THE…

This work examined the origins of Title 1, Higher Education Act of 1965; and evaluated the status of its continuing education and community service programs as seen (1969) by administrators and others active in the program. The struggle for Federal aid to higher general education began with a general extension bill introduced into Congress in…

A detailed study was made of the Bureau of Community Development at the University of Washington and the voluntary groups it worked with to try to understand a major problem for voluntary organizations--implementation of a program. Information was collected through: reading of recent literature on the theory of community development and a detailed…

This study sought student appraisals of subject matter and administrative procedures in State University of New York (SUNY) correspondence courses. Questionnaires were sent to 90 persons; 90 responded. Half the respondents were aged 21-44; 66% were women. Most respondents (84%) had some college background, but far more men than women had taken…