A three-phase comprehensive process for commercial nuclear power training program evaluation is presented. The discrepancy-based methodology was developed after the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor accident. It facilitates analysis of program components to identify discrepancies among program specifications, actual outcomes, and industry…

Devised method for evaluating the experiential elements used in teaching group counseling. Analyzed questionnaire administered to group theories class and group dynamics class. Findings suggest that, in general, the experiential strategies were perceived by students as useful in learning group counseling concepts. (Author/PVV)

A strategy to encourage evaluation used by the Centers for Disease Control in the Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) is described. DASH personnel tried to make evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus education programs more attractive by providing materials and models for evaluation. (SLD)

The impact of a newly instituted prime vendor (wholesaler) pharmaceutical system at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals was studied at 33 VA centers and 32 matched comparison hospitals. Results indicate satisfaction with the new system and illustrate the solutions to some interesting evaluation problems. (SLD)

This essay provides some background on, explanation of, and justification of a theoretical framework for all types of evaluation. This framework is used to connect and underpin the approaches of other contributors to this special issue. A core discipline of evaluation is proposed that ties assorted evaluation fields together. (SLD)

Used static and dynamic features of classroom environment to describe impact of special education program on 84 behaviorally disturbed adolescent males. Although program apparently met its objectives (increases in appropriate behaviors and decreases in inappropriate behaviors), ecobehavioral data suggest that students were mostly involved in…

The "balanced scorecard" approach for making holistic decisions about organizational change offers a framework for analyzing four critical organizational perspectives (financial, customer, internal business, learning/innovation), using specific indicators of success that focus on the organization's vision or mission. It can be used…

Draws on child-care-quality research to inform our understanding of quality in early-intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Presents conceptual issues in defining quality and methodological challenges for assessing quality of early-intervention services. Discusses efforts to design a measure of quality…

Analyzes educational equity in science and mathematics and proposes a practical way to assess equity in systemic reform. Develops definitions of equity and equitable education. Contains 40 references. (DDR)

Identifies three needs: critical discourse between evaluators of vocational training programs and policymakers/administrators; greater convergence between training policy and labor market policy; and coherent research using both process- and product-oriented quality indicators. (SK)

Addresses the issues faced when evaluating an early-childhood gifted-education program from two fields of study, early childhood and gifted education, that represent different perspectives. Describes the evaluation process and the resulting effect of the evaluation on the constituents and stakeholders of an early-childhood program. (Author/CR)

Summarizes a study applying a focus interviewing technique to assist stakeholders with evaluating a 3-day staff-development training with monthly follow up sessions. Contrasts use of surveys and focus-group interviews as assessment tools. New information gained from focus groups helped the principal identify weaknesses in the staff-development…

Describes the steps of the Pyramid Evaluation Model to evaluate programs and outcomes systematically and comprehensively through an impact model that examines goals, reviews program design, monitors program implementation, assesses outcomes and impact, and analyzes efficiency . (Author/JOW)

Policies, commissioning bodies, methods, and criteria for both internal and external evaluation of research at universities in eight countries (Finland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, France) are compared, and the effects of evaluations on the finance, structure, and research problems are examined. (MSE)

An evaluation of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' summer-school program to help raise low-performing students' mathematics achievement showed that students received little benefit. Disappointing results arose from use of teacher-centered instructional techniques. Students had little opportunity for informal thinking, exploration,…