Standardization is inimical to innovation. Although the function of a standard is to standardize, the Evaluation Research Society (ERS) Standards avoid a standardizing effect. Their contribution lies mostly in the symbolism of their existence: to issue a set of standards is to proclaim maturity of thought for the field. (Author/LC)

The underlying logic and usefulness of true performance monitoring and its potential contribution to program evaluation are examined. It provides an accumulating data base to serve many research designs and generally supports the evaluation process. Increased emphasis on performance monitoring will lead to more cost-effective, policy-relevant…

A study of journal citations was used to identify which of the writings published before passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 have continued to influence evaluation thought in education throughout the 1970s. Five classic articles were identified, and reasons for their continued influence are suggested. (Author/BW)

Discusses why measuring behavior change is an effective way to project how the training program is contributing to the objectives of the organization and reducing operating costs. (CT)

The assessment of the outcomes of social programs should always include estimates of the size of the effects produced. Various approaches to this problem are discussed. (Author)

Key elements to ensure the effectiveness of training include (1) systematic development of instructional materials; (2) a means of preparing trainers; (3) techniques to transfer training to job performance; (4) materials to support administration and management of trainees; and (5) systematic measurement of program effectiveness. (SK)

Student follow-up statistics must meet exacting federal standards; yet state educators and officials also wish to derive benefits from them. How should the model follow-up program be structured? Here is presented New Hampshire's solutions to this and other questions. (Author)

With the growing emphasis on efficiency and accountability in education, it would seem imperative that adult educators become more involved in developing evaluation processes which fit their needs. (JOW)

The study of the Functional Literacy Program in India encountered problems of opposition to evaluation, inappropriate respondents, and difficulties in contacting participants, which point to changes that should be made in the evaluation methods. (SK)

The article proposes an evaluation plan for gifted and talented programs that includes effective evaluation of program objectives as well as a matrix approach to assemble evaluation data. (CL)

The Child Welfare League of America surveyed the structured methods used by agencies to measure case outcome. The findings indicate a need to develop improved measures of effectiveness. Criteria for measures suitable to meet acountability requirements and problems in outcome measurement are discussed. (Author/RH)

A statistically proper method for evaluating change in cardiorespiratory performance as a function of experimental condition is presented.(JD)

Outlines several issues that distinguish studies and projects that have incorporated a cost-effectiveness analysis perspective from those that have not. (Author)

A flexible, field-oriented approach to teacher education evaluation is presented. (MM)

A 19-step general evaluation model is described through its four stages: identifying problems, prescribing program solutions, evaluating the operation of the program, and evaluating the effectiveness of the model. The role of the evaluator in decision making is also explored. (RAO)