A key challenge in formative evaluation is to gather appropriate evidence to inform the continuous improvement of initiatives. In the absence of outcome data, the programme evaluator often must rely on the perceptions of beneficiaries and staff in generating insight into what is making a difference. The article describes the approach adopted in an…

This investigation sought to determine when colleges should conduct assessments to identify first-year students at risk of dropping out. Thirty-five variables were used to predict the persistence of 2,024 first-year students from four universities in the southeastern United States. The predictors were subdivided into groups according to when they…

Early school leavers cannot access school-based sex education programmes, increasing their vulnerability to sexual health issues. This study evaluated a culturally-sensitive and target-orientated sex education programme involving this group. Early school leavers were recruited from two branches of the Chinese Young Men's Christian Association in…

In this important resource, Dr. Fleming (a noted expert in the field of minority retention) draws on educational evaluations she has developed in the course of her distinguished career. This book analyzes the common factors and the role institutional characteristics play in minority student retention to show what really works in increasing…

The primary objectives of this study were to learn why individuals enroll, discontinue attendance, and remain in part-time adult education (PTAE) courses. Populations within the study were 2,429 enrollees, 303 dropouts, and 1,559 persisters in the Vocational, Technical and Adult Education (VTAE) system and 223 enrollees, 5 dropouts, and 149…

In order to gather current data about the General Educational Development (GED) program at Seminole Community College (SCC), Florida, a random sample of 1982 GED examinees were surveyed to determine the examinees' assessment of the quality of instruction, course materials, and learning laboratories at SCC; the center(s) used most often and for…

In order to establish baseline data for a continuing examination of non-returning students at Montgomery College, questionnaires were sent to 570 "special students"--students not matriculated in a particular curriculum and who do not intend to complete a degree or certificate--who attended the college during spring 1970 but did not return for the…

The guide describes a followup study procedure for obtaining from high school graduates and dropouts information concerning their present employment status, training interests, personal data, employment interests, transportation type, training and education, and questions and comments. The study procedure is longitudinal and four phased. The…

In April 1980, Vocational Education Data System representatives at each of the seven community colleges in Hawaii surveyed students who, during 1978-79, graduated from vocational education programs or left these programs prior to graduation. Questionnaires were mailed to 6,629 former students, requesting information on current educational and/or…

This four-part document presents the findings of three follow-up studies conducted by Central Virginia Community College (CVCC): (1) a survey of 1975-76 graduates to determine their current employment and educational activities and their opinions of CVCC experiences; (2) a survey of students who attended the college in spring 1976 but did not…

In fall 1986, the San Diego Community College District initiated a pilot project to develop and offer an honors curriculum. After the first semester, during which 11 courses were offered to 110 students, an evaluation was conducted, consisting of the development of a profile of participants, a survey of students who withdrew from the program, and…

A follow-up study of occupational education students in the Los Rios Community College District (LRCCD) was conducted to obtain information regarding the former students' educational and career goals, employment and educational status, and perceptions of the programs and services offered by the three district colleges. A survey was mailed to 2,700…

The objective of the study was to develop a dynamic system for inputing data on human and occupational resources for use in developing vocational education programs to meet current and future occupational needs. In the first of four phases, the objectives were to develop: (1) data gathering instruments designed to continuously assess human…

The four-year followup study (the fifth and last of such four-year evaluations of graduates) aimed at pinpointing the program's benefits to the graduates in the educational social/personal, and financial areas. Thirty-two of the 41 graduates responded to the mailed questionnaire, which elicited demographic, occupational, educational, financial,…

A descriptive study of vocational-technical education was conducted to determine (1) offerings presently available, (2) how the program is administered and conducted, (3) the objectives of present offerings, (4) which students benefit from a more complete program, and (5) the employment opportunities open to graduates. Tables present federal and…