Three types of explanation in evaluation are discussed: causal explanations, explanations of actions, and explanations of value judgments. The role and importance of each form is addressed, as are alternate approaches to providing such explanation. The concept of explanation is defined as anything said or done to help someone understand something.…

Viewing decision makers within the program as the primary audience for program evaluation information, a model for the evaluation of ESEA Title I projects is developed for program improvement as well as program assessment. The model incorporates four stages of assessment, with five evaluative criteria distinguished for each stage. Both negative…

Educational and social programs often develop from a weak or imprecise conceptualization relating the program's system of input variables to its claimed outcomes. Evaluation personnel can contribute both to the final development of a program and to the fair evaluation of such programs by learning to formally characterize programs and to construct…

Existing evaluation models have been examined and found wanting with respect to planning comprehensive evaluation strategy. In seeking a more coherent conceptual framework from which to design evaluation strategy, the Virginia Beach City Public Schools developed an evaluation Systems Framework. The framework represents a conceptual scheme which…

These guidelines for conducting a manpower utilization study are designed for independent use or in conjunction with any existing work measurement program for determining manpower requirements. Although the instructions are complete enough for use by themselves, a bibliography of publications is included to provide additional background…

This review of a research institute's evaluation of the national Follow Through program asserts that both the contracting office and the research institute failed to adequately specify the kind of study intended and the functions which it proposed to serve. One of several kinds of evaluation studies might have been undertaken: (1) a research…

The paper offers a brief definition of open education from a framework which is designed to be descriptive rather than proscriptive, and then considers the problem of how educators can evaluate the effectiveness of open educational practices. Open education policies are looked at from a historical and philosophical perspective, a psychological…

Program evaluation methodology as an investigatory strategy has been developed to generate information as to the capabilities of human service programs to produce maximal desired effects in client populations with minimal resource use. Experience with the procedures, however, has disclosed multiple difficulties attendant upon their use, doubt as…

Explores the current organization development assessment milieu and proposes a model to help clarify assessment. Each feature of the model is defined, and characteristic problems are discussed in light of current methods and theory. Guidelines are proposed to enhance the assessability of potential change activities. (Author)

Any evaluation plan designed to evaluate arts in general education programs must reflect a reconsideration of the whole process of education evaluation. The evaluation plan proposed here has been used effectively to evaluate either arts education or music education programs. (Author/RK)

The portfolio approach to self-evaluation is possible with limited staff time or funds. Evaluators collect a variety of documents and records that describe the goals, perceptions and values involved in the program. The portfolio items should represent key issues and precipitate useful discussions. (GDC)

It is argued that an emphasis on a method of evaluation prior to the actual beginning of a program can prove of great value to an administrator in shaping the program and explaining and defending it to boards and funding bodies. Evaluation methods are discussed. (Author/MS)

Traditional program evaluation methods are expensive in terms of time and money. An alternative is auditing, a process that produces an official accounting and verification, often by third-party evaluators. Auditing relies on samples that are critical to the organization and its decision makers. (JOW)

Evaluates the role of clinical education in the preparation of lawyers. Evaluation identifies program objectives and practices as prerequisites to develop in-service interventions regarding the measurement of student learning. (RB)

This paper identifies and discusses conceptual and methodological issues related to five attributes of emergent programs that frequently apply across the spectrum of human services: undefined client populations, inadequate causal evidence relating inputs to outcomes, shifting objectives, identification of criteria for standarizing treatments, and…