Addresses clinical and methodological issues in conducting the Marital Systems Study, a research project evaluating the efficacy of systems-oriented conjoint treatment with couples in which one spouse is abusing alcohol. These include standardizing and monitoring the intervention and developing an interactional perspective on the alcohol-related…

Reviews four different approaches to evaluation--decision-oriented, applied research, value-oriented, and systems-oriented--and suggests how each may be applied to the evaluation of instructional programs. Nine references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Discusses the historical development of "hard" and "soft" systems thinking traditions and examines how these traditions have been understood and applied in the field of instructional development. Proposes the need for a synthesis of the two traditions in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs. (AEF)

Discusses the challenges facing digital library evaluation and suggests a conceptual framework for evaluation derived from the systems approach. A review of evaluation efforts in research and practice concentrates on derivation of criteria used in evaluation. Essential requirements for evaluation are stated. Discussed are constructs, context, and…

Researchers and practitioners have questioned how the implementation of a system of care influences the broader context of children's social services within a community. We examined the impact that the Dawn Project system of care had on children's services in Marion County, Indiana. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to…

This report reviews the outcomes of a forum convened to examine policy and practice issues surrounding the annual evaluation of effectiveness of programs and services for students with disabilities. At the forum, alternative approaches being used by states to implement program evaluation were discussed, along with issues in gathering…

This book describes the evolution of New American Schools (NAS) and its strategy for reform during its first 6 years of operation. After a short introduction in chapter 1, chapter 2 outlines the potential contribution of school designs and design-based assistance to education reform, focusing on the nature of NAS designs, the character of…

In an effort to improve upon Kentucky's existing system for evaluating adult basic education (ABE) programs within the state, an ongoing peer evaluation system was developed and pilot tested. The system was based on a learning center evaluation instrument that was developed by Kentucky Learning Center teachers in January 1985; the "Quality…

After noting the lack of attention paid to the evaluation of staff development programs in practice and in the literature, this monograph presents a conceptual framework for planning program evaluations. The monograph first discusses the purposes of staff development evaluation and then considers three prerequisites for the development of an…

THE COLLECTION, PROCESSING, SYNTHESIZING, AND DISSEMINATION OF DATA ON THE PROGRESS OF ALL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM (ES) '70 PROGRAMS IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN ACHIEVING THE PROGRAMS' OBJECTIVES. THESE PROGRAMS EMBRACE 17 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE PRIMARY NETWORK ALONE AND ARE BASED ON A UNIQUE APPROACH OF "LOCAL-STATE-FEDERAL…

The paper presents a systems model for the evaluation of prevocational preparation programs for the learning disabled in Australia. The need for accountability in the area of the development of programs for the prevocational preparation of the learning disabled is discussed. Various approaches to evaluation are explored, and a systems model is…

An individualized program for teaching writing skills was initiated for high school students in a writing laboratory program. The major goal was to develop a systematic, individualized approach for teaching 300 specific writing skills. Major characteristics of the program included evaluation of student writing to diagnose and prescribe…

This paper presents the findings of a field study designed to examine the management information system (MIS) of an urban school district to determine the role it plays in bringing about educational change in the classroom. The MIS as a type of "guidance system" for change is made up of three specific information loops and a control mechanism…

Simulations, which can be defined as formalized techniques for studying complex systems by manipulating the variables in a scaled-down model and observing the results, are useful instructional tools. They provide individualized, self-paced, learner-controlled education, offer discovery experiences which are realistic, and promote problem-solving,…

This report submitted by Advocate Team No. 1 to the U.S. Office of Education, Division of Research and Development Resources (formerly Division of Manpower and Institutions) presents a proposed evaluation system for R&D institutions and programs. It includes: (1) an organizational framework within which the evaluation system could function; (2)…