U.S. higher education institutions are being called to question their central nature, priorities, and functions, with prominent and unprecedented attention being given to accountability and the measurement of student learning outcomes. As higher education evolves in how it assesses student learning and leisure studies and recreation departments…

The question of how close a recreation program approximates the original objective of the programer can only be answered by extensive evaluation. The true value of the total recreation program may be determined by evaluating the benefit of a recreation program to the participant. (JN)

The American Correctional Association's Project CULTURE represents the first federally funded program designed to bring arts and leisure programs to inmates in long-term correctional institutions. In addition to Project CULTURE, a national survey on the status of the arts and recreation in correctional institutions was conducted. (JN)

The administrator of a recreational program needs to constantly evaluate that program to be sure it is accomplishing the objectives for which it is established; while objective and subjective evaluation on the part of leaders and participants are valuable, factual computerized data are also a reliable tool. (JD)

Evaluation is one method of determining accountability in human service programs. A generic evaluation approach contains several steps: (1) stating a purpose for evaluating the program; (2) identifying evaluation questions; (3) identifying the nature of evaluation information; (4) collecting evaluation information; (5) analyzing evaluation…

The need for outdoor education for city children and the availability of facilities for it in the New York metropolitan area are explored in this feasibility study. The most significant finding is the existence of vast outdoor education resources waiting for school administrators to tap them. The information is presented in two parts--(1)…

Several aspects for the evaluation of leisure programs are addressed: theoretical frameworks for evaluation; practical rationales for instituting the evaluation process; information about evaluation for persons with varying abilities and needs; and processes for the evaluation of outdoor recreation programs and public leisure sports. (CJ)

The government attempted to set up a viable management information and feedback system for evaluating accountability in services delivery. Conceptual models for agency goals and services delivery were designed and measures were developed in the provision of leisure and recreational services. Two citizen surveys are described. (Author/CTM)

A symbolic interactionist approach to evaluation views the evaluator as an observer of group behavior in which individual action aligns with collective action. The evaluator attempts to discover what is actually going on in the program being evaluated. Though the interactionist approach frees the program manager from having to articulate goals, it…

A model is presented to demonstrate that systematic evaluation by design or planned, purposeful evaluation of recreational programs is possible. The evaluation model concepts of control group, randomization, and pretest and posttest are explained. (JN)

The activities of a child guidance clinic which diagnoses and treats children with minimal cerebral dysfunction are described. Minimal brain dysfunction is explained, and diagnostic steps are discussed. As a major function of the program, neurological, optometric, auditory, oral, general physical, educational, and psychological evaluations are…

Describes the design and application of the Student Affairs Program Evaluation Process at the University of Nebraska. An evaluation team including students and faculty was set up to study counseling, recreation and orientation programs. Weaknesses and strengths of the process were discussed and suggestions made for appropriate followup activities.…

Afterschool programs are rich with educational opportunities. Programs can make what is learned during the traditional day vibrant and relevant to the lives of children. Comprehensive programs that are integrated into the regular school program and draw on resources within the community can yield positive outcomes for children. Key to this…

Alexander Astin, a pioneer in assessment research, has argued persuasively for building national databases that would permit programs and institutions to share common data and thus compare themselves with peers (1987, 1991). Others have suggested that certain process and outcome data should be collected and shared by disciplinary associations and…

This monograph explores the development of comprehensive systems of care for severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. It is intended as a technical assistance tool for states and communities interested in improving services and as a review of the state of the art for developing systems of care. A generic model of a system of care…