Effective assessment is crucial to outcome-based learning programs. One choice to be made in such programs is whether assessment of student learning should be carried out within course structures or external to them. Advantages to each approach are suggested. The overall recommendation is for external assessment. (Author/MLW)

Evaluated an intervention program for child abusers using multiple outcome criteria and extended follow-up. Findings indicated that training abusive parents in child-management and self-control techniques resulted in improvements in parenting skills. A one-year follow-up found no incidences of child abuse among treatment families reported to or…

Elements of the legal writing program are presented and discussed: goals, structure, assignments, instructional method, and program problems (credit hours, faculty-student relationship, grading by tutors, competition for library resources, low level of basic student skills). Available from Union University, 80 Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208;…

In an evaluation of Wisconsin's Five-Year State Plan for vocational education, a study undertook to determine educators', students', employers', and employees' perceptions of and attitudes toward vocational-technical education in Wisconsin. Included is a statement of goals and processes as well as conclusions and recommendations. (JOW)

Presents a parental perspective on a laboratory school at a Southern California university. Evaluates five aspects of the educational experience: friendships, the school programs, transportation, the school schedule, and the faculty. Cites excellent education, enriching friendships, and comfortable growth into a new phase of schooling as benefits.…

The author outlines the background, scope, purpose, and methodology of the congressionally mandated Vocational Education Study sponsored by the National Institute of Education. (SK)

Survey recommends a treatment model that fosters latitude and allows for individual initiative within a framework. Group counseling in conjunction with an educational performance contract is advocated for serious behavior problems. (Author)

An ecological orientation emphasizing systemlike interdependencies among environment, organism, and behavior suggests several substantial additions to conventional role functions of behavioral school psychologists. Such functions involve taking an active part in evaluating and assessing second-order consequences of behavioral interventions.…

Recent activities of the General Accounting Office (GAO) related to the allocation of medical resources and services are reviewed. Focus is on the evaluation of programs designed to increase public access to quality health care and to contain health care costs. GAO supervision of grant monies designated for medical research is also discussed. (JMD)

Discusses results of the evaluation of limited field trials for the use of telecast in schools in the United Kingdom (UK). Sixteen television sets capable of receiving teletext into schools all over the UK were used in this project. (HM)

Describes the process for the development of new community college curricula and their approval by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), ICCB's classification and definition of instructional programs, ICCB's evaluation of instructional offerings, and the types of cooperative and contractual agreements for offering instructional programs.…

Discusses two approaches for evaluating distance education. One collects six categories of evaluation information (measures): activity, efficiency, outcomes, program aims, policy, and organization. The other identifies key questions needed for effective evaluation and methods for determining outcomes in five areas: accountability, effectiveness,…

Examines the development and implementation of a multicultural education workshop designed to help future elementary school teachers prepare for classroom student diversity. Student journals and faculty perceptions are used in an outcome analysis that reveals an increase in participant knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for the…

Discusses Louis Ormont's theory of group experience and the effectiveness of the Group Meeting and Triad Resolutions processes--part of his Group Process--in modifying the behavior of kindergartners. Suggests that children learn to take charge of their own behavior and are strengthened by feelings of group membership and personal empowerment.…

Traditional approaches to defining academic quality (reputational, resources, and outcomes or value-added) are criticized as not providing useful information. An alternative perspective is offered, focusing on fundamental course-level academic processes and defining the quality of such processes as the level of understanding of course content…