The purpose of this methodological study is to explore how well a process called "concept mapping" (Trochim, 1989) can articulate the theory which underlies a social program. Articulation of a program's theory is a key step in completing a sound theory based evaluation (Weiss, 1997a). In this study, concept mapping is used to…

Many states are mandating reforms in university-sponsored principal preparation programs, but faculty and school system personnel often have concerns about the prescriptive nature of state mandates related to these reforms. Auburn University served as one of four pilot principal preparation program redesigns in Alabama, a process that took over…

While there is a wide body of research to support the effectiveness of schoolwide positive behavior support (PBS), there are significant challenges to facilitating sustainable implementation. The present study begins to address these challenges by exploring PBS implementation in a diverse, regionally isolated elementary school that previously…

The professional development school (PDS) is a model of choice for many teacher preparation programs. This approach integrates the functions of teacher preparation, professional development, inquiry and research, and student achievement to bring about whole-school improvement and the simultaneous renewal of the teaching profession. Ideally,…

Provides a basic programming model for the community services coordinator in the community college and discusses informational support sources. Problems associated with successful programming, such as failure to evaluate, relying on past achievements, and overextension of staff are discussed. Research regarding planning models is suggested.…

Missionary zeal must be supplemented by rigorous empirical research if environmental education is to efficiently contribute to the alleviation of environmental problems. Objectives pertinent to all programs are proposed, folklore influencing these programs is identified, and research issues fundamental to increasing the contributions of…

Developing, implementing and evaluating programmes of intervention for children and young people on the autistic spectrum are challenging endeavours. In this paper, we adopt a critical approach to research in this area, and attempt to offer an alternative perspective for understanding and interpreting empirical evaluations. We outline and discuss…

This report, prepared by the Delinquency and School Environments Program of the Center for Social Organization of Schools, presents a set of standards for implementing Program Development Evaluation (PDE), a method for strengthening school organizational and research effectiveness. This report supplements an earlier account of the Program…

This document reviews the Virginia Research Utilization Specialist (RUS) project which began in 1969 to assist in demonstrating effective methods of research utilization in the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies. Nine RUS personnel were involved in the demonstration project and developed the following activities: (1) work on a statewide…

Over the past decade researchers have begun to explore the prevalence, incidence, short and long term effects, and prevention of sexual violence. The purpose of this article was to provide a review of the literature related to the efficacy of sexual violence prevention programs. The review showed that there are many prevention programs yet few…

This is a call for community psychologists to engage in research, consultation, and program development and evaluation in supporting military families and communities. Barriers to such involvement are identified and discussed. It is argued that the needs of military families and communities cannot be ignored when military and civilian communities…

Successful bilingual programs depend on some understanding of the language situation involved, the possible strategies of bilingual education, the effects of these strategies, the assessment of community desires, the best ways to find and train teachers, the method of evaluating curriculum, the effect of learning styles, and the possibilities of…

This document summarizes the first 3 years (June 1965-September 1968) of the Minnesota Research Coordination Unit's operation. Described are: (1) the factors which influenced the evolution of Unit objectives, (2) the organizational structure, personnel and facilities, (3) the Unit activities which were related to its objectives, (4) a subjective…

Some of the major concerns of education stem from the fact that young men and women leave our educational system without sufficient skills to survive in the world of work. Vocational education has a vital role to play in solving the problems related to this situation. The staff at this Research and Development Unit believes the problems can best…

To survey and analyze nursing resources and nursing education in Florida in order to make recommendations for future educational planning, data were gathered from the literature, state agencies, and a stratified random sampling by questionnaire of 1,921 licensed nurses within the State. The findings indicated that unmet needs for nursing services…