To help teachers and administrators evaluate and improve their reading programs, standards of excellence are presented for seven program components: administration and organization, student assessment, instruction and management, instructional materials, evaluation, staff and staff development, and community involvement. Procedures are suggested…

This third and final article on effectiveness and efficiency in industrial training contains a number of suggestions on how to improve training effectively and describes how they are going about it in the Netherlands. (Author)

An ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social, and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. (Author/CT)

In 1996, as part of the budget review process, Utah State University questioned the legitimacy of the outdoor recreation program in terms of student use, cost, and its role as part of the university mission. A task force was appointed to determine if the Outdoor Recreation Center should continue. This paper discusses program issues investigated by…

This paper is a report of the development of a systematic process for locating instructional design alumni and recruiting them to provide feedback from their workplaces. The purpose is to make alumni part of the process for program improvement. The process for tracking, contacting, and gathering data from alumni is described. In addition, the…

The author argues for development of community profiles to serve as the basis for value decisions and a system of participation accounting to evaluate the progress of the community services program. (Author/RN)

The only way to effectively use course evaluations is to reconstruct programs according to the evaluations. (HS)

Describes a Wisconsin model for evaluating secondary vocational education programs. The model steps include a self-evaluation, a team site visit, and an implementation phase. (CT)

Compares fine arts and the art of training design. Suggests ways to design programs creatively to transform people's performance: (1) break the rhythm; (2) combine apples and oranges; (3) get out of order; (4) toy with success; and (5) put on a good show. (JOW)

Discusses the significant differences between the former process of evaluation and the new assessment movement as they define the communication discipline. Suggests the articles in this special issue will contribute to an understanding of the assessment process and will provide strategies and direction for implementing or adapting methods for…

Lists six recommendations made by consultants who evaluated a writing program at Lehigh University. Gives a brief history of the problem that led to each of the recommendations. Offers five tips for others who are thinking of doing a writing program evaluation. (MG)

Reviews the status of academic advising and considers barriers to effective advising. Suggests that strategies for improving advising systems must take into account specific institutional factors that act as barriers to effective advising and must include long-term commitment to enhancement efforts. (LLL)

The various arts and sciences that comprise the field of program evaluation are discussed. It is argued that emphasis on rigor and expressive content has left other aspects of evaluation unexplored. Educational evaluators need to consider what programs mean and how they contribute to understanding. (SLD)

Teacher quality is a central pillar of the No Child Left Behind Act for good reason. Without high-quality teachers, one cannot realize the goal of high achievement for all students. In turn, if preservice teachers do not receive the highest-quality teacher preparation, then one cannot meet the demand for high-quality teachers. Few would argue…