Compliance with policy mandates and instructional complexity are unique aspects of special education for which peer review, applied research, and qualitative/naturalistic methods used for evaluating general education are inadequate. A conceptual map designed to organize longitudinal, systematic evaluation of special education addresses its special…

Addresses a variety of plans on how to formulate and conduct program evaluation. Describes the Stufflebeam et al. generalized evaluation design, the Howard and Lee five-step evaluation model, and a step-by-step procedures model. Also identifies 10 principles for evaluating performance appraisal systems. (CT)

A short history of program theory in evaluation is reviewed. Two related problems in program evaluation are discussed and illustrated: (1) how to specify in measurable terms the consensus of theories and values that guides the program; and (2) how to construct a theoretical framework that specifies the use of these measurements. (Author/JAZ)

Evaluation must take into account both executive and legislative politics and their interactions. A five-part continuum evaluation process is suggested for the development of a policy question and its translation into knowledge that is credible, timely, responsive, and usable. Evaluators have a major responsibility in this process. (Author/JAZ)

Proposes the use of a post-substantiation model for responding to incidents of abuse within an institutional setting. Provides an example of how this model is applied to the investigation of institutional abuse. (Author/BB)

An approach to clinical instruction based on the Learning Vector Model was implemented, with 15 clinical instructors and 9 medical technology students as participants. The implementation of the model and the reactions of students and instructors were evaluated using attitudinal questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Perceived advantages and…

Asserts that path analysis is an optimum data-analytic technique for the research, development, and evaluation of planned interventions to reduce college student attrition. Describes and illustrates technique of path analysis. (Author/NB)

Educational evaluation is discussed. Topics include: an evaluation framework, educational objectives and study design from a 20-year perspective, a sample study, educational evaluation for local school improvement, decision-oriented evaluation studies, reporting study results, and professional standards for assuring the quality of educational…

This study is an analysis of the impact of the Los Rios Community College District on the economy of metropolitan Sacramento. This analysis measures business volume, employment, and individual income generated in the area as a result of the district's expenditures. The models used can be applied to other colleges to determine their impact on a…

Net impact estimates of Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs vary widely and can be explained by the different evaluation methodologies used. Estimates are sensitive to the inclusion of recently unemployed persons in the comparison sample and assumptions about the time of decision to enroll in CETA. (GDC)

Measurement of the effectiveness and efficiency of college business affairs offices demands attention at all times and must deal with the institution's specific needs and considerations. Alternative approaches to data collection and interpretation are available, but all should focus on cost, confidentiality, user satisfaction, and service…

Discusses the peer-training model, opposition to the plan, major objectives of the model, strategies for motivating employees to train and for making training a priority, training the trainer, ongoing training in the work units, and benefits of the program. (CT)

Microcomputer simulations in evaluation research are useful for (1) improving student understanding of research principles and analytic techniques; (2) investigating problems arising in research implementations; and (3) exploring the accuracy and utility of novel analytic techniques. This article describes these simulation uses for the context of…

Students training to be teachers in a one-year postgraduate course are presented with a choice of course methodologies. This article is a case study of one group that chose to operate as a democratic learning cooperative. The efficacy of this approach in preparing teachers for work in local secondary schools is discussed. (Author/CT)

In 1983 Strathclyde University (Scotland) launched an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) degree course by distance learning. This paper considers the subsequent progress of marketing, one of the six foundation classes. After examining the issues and problems involved in teaching marketing, this paper discusses some evidence resulting from…