The author provides a legal analysis of the statutory requirements of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act that govern the use of funds for "vocational education program improvement, innovation, and expansion." He discusses the legislative history of using these funds for ongoing program maintenance. (CH)

This report contains a summary of a survey of violence prevention programs and a conference on the state of the art in evaluating such programs, as well as conclusions and recommendations. The survey of 51 violence prevention programs focused on evaluation activities. Analysis of the data indicated: frequently the goals have not been used to…

This paper presents the results of a survey of 51 violence prevention programs around the country, including detailed case studies of a select sample, reviews of the evaluations of these programs, and recommendations for next steps to be explored during the conference. Part I discusses the survey of violence prevention programs. It describes a…

This is a collection of four papers concerned with improvement of Chapter 1 programs in the northwestern United States. The first paper (Steve Murray) describes a program improvement support model presently in use. It summarizes the process of program adoption in five northwestern states and describes differences in state context that have…

The authors provide techniques for deciding how to allocate resources during financial cutbacks for extension programs. They focus on positive outcomes such as increased effectiveness and innovation. (CH)

Developed method for empirically evaluating functioning of peer-based alcohol abuse prevention organization. Used results to design intervention to improve organization's functioning by increasing student control, enhancing cohesiveness, and providing training in leadership skills and alcohol use. Reassessment one year later indicated that…

The Interagency Working Group on U.S. Government-Sponsored International Exchanges and Training (IAWG) was created through Executive Order 13055 in 1997 to recommend to the President measures for improving the coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of U.S. government-sponsored international exchanges and training. The IAWG's four goals for…

The authors question tensions between policymakers and local educational institutions and suggest that there are substantial gaps between the intentions and actual consequences of implemented policies concerning educational reform. They argue for cooperative strategies between federal, state, and local authorities that attempt to balance…

Consists of two articles focusing on internationalism in agricultural education. Articles emphasize (1) increasing involvement in international agricultural education and (2) global dimensions for postsecondary programs. (CH)

The General Accounting Office conducted a study to determine whether particular funding mechanisms play a role in helping universities improve program quality and whether funding mechanisms have different effects on research performance. Findings from the study are reported and discussed. (JN)

The author presents issues to stimulate thoughtful analysis and debate and to improve agricultural education programs. Topics include (1) mission and content; (2) clientele; (3) delivery systems; (4) supervised occupational experience programs; (5) the Future Farmers of America; (6) recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers; and (7)…

Describes the overall evaluation framework that is guiding Missouri's efforts to evaluate comprehensive school guidance programs. Views evaluation as ongoing process designed to improve guidance program. Discusses program, personnel, and results evaluation in an outcome-based framework guided by five questions. (Author/NB)

Several tools exist that school districts can use to help solve current or potential problems in compensatory programs. The school district should begin by conducting (1) a study to determine the extent to which students are served by multiple compensatory programs, (2) on-site observations of the programs, and (3) a review of the curriculum and…

The author lists characteristics of agriculture education programs at universities. He discusses ways to use resources, ideas, and people to command respect and recognition for the field. (CH)

The author discusses his success at obtaining funds to improve his vocational agriculture program in a small school district. He covers such topics as (1) local sources of funding, (2) outside sources, (3) proposal writing, and (4) costs and benefits. (CH)