Outlines a model for evaluating management development programs. (IRT)

Papers in this collection address issues related to participatory approaches to assessing impact. The first section, "What Is an Impact Study and How Should We Do It?" contains: (1) "Participatory Impact Assessment" (John Shotton); (2) "Participatory Action Research as an Approach to Impact Assessment" (Victoria…

The author defines evaluation research and discusses the increasing demand for such research. A simple model for service and development programs is presented to illustrate the function of evaluation research within a dynamic system. (Author/MS)

Strategies for increasing evaluation research leverage are reviewed. Alignment of evaluation research with regulatory bodies with authority to suspend public program expenditures is advocated. Several likely obstacles in the development of the regulatory evaluation model are anticipated and addressed. (Author/RL)

The Judicial Evaluation Model (recently used by the Bureau for the Education of the Handicapped to investigate feasibility of implementing the Individual Education Program component of PL 94-142) is described in terms of its application in the State of New Jersey. Limitations and potentials are discussed. (JC)

Contends that D.L. Kirkpatrick's model for evaluating training courses can be adapted to evaluating products and services. Outlines how this can be done. States that measuring client and user satisfaction and performance can provide proof of technical communication's quality and value. (PA)

Summarizes and analyzes the four case studies of this theme issue. The analyses consider the three structural elements of evaluation capacity building (ECB): overall ECB process; actual ECB practices; and ECB occupational orientation and practitioner role. Provides a practical checklist for assessing ECB at an organization and a framework for…

Discusses specific models for program evaluation and applies them to nursing programs. Provides guidelines for model selection and implementation to enhance the success of evaluation. (JOW)

Explores the relative strengths and weaknesses of program theory as a tool for inferring causality and outlines a five-stage approach that makes increased use of inductively built program theories as it takes more deliberate account of the varying levels of certainty that are required for evaluative conclusions. (Author/SLD)

Presents a conceptual framework for putting program theory into operation. The framework incorporates variables that reflect theoretical concepts and implementation issues addressed in program evaluation. It organizes variables into input, process, and output categories. Discusses implications for program evaluation. (SLD)

Provides managers with specific guidance on developing and using logic models. For the last 20 years logic models have been used largely in program evaluations to chart what should have happened and what did or did not occur as intended. Logic models start with inputs and work through processes to the desired end state, whether output or outcome.…

Discusses the challenges facing foundations and offers a nine-part framework to suggest how an evaluation office can help foundations meet these challenges. The emphasis on capacity building is also of interest to organizations other than foundations. (SLD)

High schools have recently become a popular source of mentors for school-based mentoring (SBM) programs. The high school Bigs program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, for example, currently involves close to 50,000 high-school-aged mentors across the country. While the use of these young mentors has several potential advantages, their age…

The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention publishes "Catalyst," a newsletter covering current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence (AODV) prevention issues at institutions of higher education. "Catalyst" discusses emerging issues and highlights innovative efforts on…