In their search for new ways to assess their agencies' success in working with children and families, child welfare administrators and senior managers are increasingly seeking regular and reliable sources of information that help them evaluate agency performance, make ongoing decisions, and provide an accurate picture for agency staff and external…

A collaborative publication between Harvard Family Research Project and The Finance Project, this brief offers guidance in documenting progress and demonstrating results in local out-of-school-time programs. Following introductory remarks providing a rationale for program evaluation, discussing principles of program evaluation, and clarifying key…

The restructuring of the Job Corps and its integration with other manpower programs is described. (BH)

Several trends which offer greater viability for basic business education include improved content, increased enrollments, improved sequential curriculum, a systems approach, improved textbooks, promotion of consumer education, newer approaches, more flexibility in learning structure, improved teacher preparation, and strengthened ties with the…

A critical appraisal of the value of vocational education and general education and the need for eliminating the general curriculum from the high school program. (GR)

Focuses on what can be done when a program fails. What are the causes for failure? What elements must be considered in the decision process? What strategies can be employed to recycle resources into more productive activities? What alternatives are available to aid in program repair or rejuvenation? (Author)

The training, experience, and temperament of professional school staff does not prepare them to judge the strengths or weaknesses of school programs or make recommendations for improvement. Suggestions for priorities in teacher training institutions to improve this situation are presented. (JMF)

Discusses Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) as a way to manage human service organizations that involves the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, and employees in the pursuit of consumer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Also addresses how program evaluation can be used in conjunction with CQI…

Argues that process evaluation is needed to validate prison-based substance abuse treatment effectiveness. Five groups--inmates, treatment staff, prison staff, prison administration, and the parole board--should be a part of this process evaluation. Discusses these five groups relative to three stages of development of substance abuse treatment in…

Provides a brief explanation of the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 1990. Describes the expanded and improved services provided to Head Start children and families and the quality enhancements made to the Head Start program and staff as a result of implementing the act. Lists other elements, in addition to funding, that are important…

An overview of the evaluation strategies being used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor and improve a broad national program of HIV prevention among youth in school is presented, emphasizing surveillance of risk behaviors, health outcomes, and school-related policies and programs. (SLD)

Addresses the basic issues faced, methods used, and problems encountered in evaluating school counseling services. Gives examples and suggestions to assist in learning about evaluation. Contends that counselors have the requisite skills and should be involved in evaluation of the services they provide. (NB)