Reports on the evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) prevention program at several sites. Findings show a very small effect on children, but as has been the case for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE), GREAT will continue because of its importance to stakeholders and political symbolism. (SLD)

A longitudinal study examined the content and goals of an undergraduate social studies methods course and compared course perspectives to a teacher's perspectives as she progressed through the course, through student teaching, and into beginning teaching. Results highlight many issues related to methods courses and teacher induction. (SM)

Researchers evaluated community social action education programs for at-risk youths using a portfolio and panel review evaluation process. Each program assembled portfolios that an expert panel analyzed for successful program components. Panelists then participated in focus groups. Results detailed 13 features necessary to make such community…

This response to a previous article comparing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice in the fields of early childhood education and early intervention/special education stresses the importance of individualizing application of principles and the need to look beyond effectiveness and efficiency as dimensions for evaluating practice.…

A variety of assessment techniques to measure and document the outcomes of interdisciplinary study at the college level are examined, focusing on the contexts and problems of such assessments. Several programs are profiled, suggestions for assessment design are offered, and an annotated bibliography of information sources is presented. (MSE)

Utilizes findings from two studies to discuss the effectiveness of role modeling as an instructional strategy in business management education. Suggests that, while the first study did not show a significantly beneficial effect of role modeling, some elements of the second did. Survey instruments are included. (17 citations) (MAB)

The five articles of this theme issue focus on new developments in the evaluation of science education programs that have both substantive and theoretical implications for the field of evaluation. Past and current evaluation approaches are reviewed, and an overview is given of new assessments consistent with new curriculum developments. (SLD)

This paper presents a schema for measuring the effects of prevention programs in mental retardation, using 43 items that are quantifiable, accessible, and pertinent to disability outcomes. The items relate to service indicators, risk indicators, and incidence/prevalence information in the prenatal, perinatal, and childhood periods. (Author/JDD)

Fourteen female teachers participating in Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools' Students Achieving Independent Learning Program, which promotes strategies-based instruction to enhance reading comprehension of elementary school students, were interviewed about program effects. Teachers identified both strong points and shortcomings of the…

Assesses Foxfire Teacher Outreach Program using data from surveys, classroom observations, and site-visitation. Describes how participating teachers incorporated "Foxfire philosophy" in classroom. Discusses evaluation, school climate, teacher burnout, and data's implications for program. Concludes that Foxfire training benefited…

This article describes the use (in Minneapolis, Minnesota) of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) to monitor reading progress, including development of CBM reading probes, administration and scoring of the CBM reading test, determination of appropriate measurement levels, setting of long-range goals, and program evaluation. Research in this area is…

This case study describes an unsuccessful research proposal submitted in response to a request for applications for projects to implement and evaluate up to 18 innovative programs for homeless persons with alcohol or other drug problems. This unsuccessful proposal reflects several tensions inherent in evaluation research. (SLD)

Four articles are included: (1) a study that identified barriers to effective extension programing for at-risk youth; (2) Project LEAD, which is designed to prevent delinquency by positively affecting attitudes of youth at risk; (3) Illinois extension's approach to drug education; and (4) Ohio's Tobacco Risk Awareness Program. (JOW)

The evolution of environmental education (EE) in elementary, secondary, and higher education in Italy is described, focusing on its role in curricula, trends in awareness, an international agency's research program on EE, values underlying EE, a suggested educational model, and use of an indicator system for evaluating educational quality. (MSE)

Describes a desktop publishing project that uses computer-assisted instruction to engage students with severe behavioral problems in a more active learning environment. Topics discussed include the reinforcement from computers; benefits of computer-assisted instruction; hardware and software selection; staff training; evaluation; and future…