Third stream evaluation, the fusing of the ecological perspective with experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation design, is described. The ecological perspective necessitates that the conceptualization and analysis of a setting and the design of the study emphasize the interdependent relations among organisms, behavior and environment in…

Fergus reviews TM 503 787, adding that the evaluator of the future should be knowledgeable about the social problem and service delivery being examined, in addition to having expertise in the methods of evaluation. The evaluator should make contributions to the creation of alternative solutions and take leadership in performing experiments.…

Evaluation based on subjective judgment is as much a reflection of the university supervisor making the evaluation as it is of the student teacher being evaluated; there is need for alternative modes of student teacher evaluating, e.g., self-evaluation. (DS)

Hypothesizing that prejudiced feelings about minorities are due not only to racial differences but to the fact that minorities often have lower socio-economic rank as well, this study examines data from a household survey in Tulsa, Oklahoma and documents the greater salience of socioeconomic cues and the lesser salience of racial cues for social…

The need for integral program evaluation is gradually being recognized. The author discusses why counseling psychologists are particularly well suited to becoming program evaluators. Implications for training are discussed. (Author/JEL)

Teacher evaluation should be implemented as a meaningful way to continue improvement of instructional practice. Evaluation criteria must be carefully defined and measured to eliminate ambiguity. (Author)

In the evaluation of a major university's effort to extend its resources in support of volunteer development, the program decisionmakers' involvement went beyond the usual limits. The program advisory council participated in the design of data collection instruments and the interviewing of clients. The advantages and disadvantages are described.…

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are automated information systems designed to aid administrative decision making. A literature review on the design, implementation, and evaluation of DSS, suggests that evaluators act as liasons between designers and managers, identify and collect data for DSS, and evaluate DSS. (Author/EGS)

The lack of overriding rationale and theoretical anchors in "Standards for the Evaluation of Educational Programs, Projects and Materials" creates difficulties when adapting the standards to local situations. The limitations of the book's treatment of ethical considerations, evaluation, utilization, and research management procedures for…

Strategies for use by clients who commission evaluation studies in the private, university, or governmental sector are outlined. Topics covered include establishing the purpose of the evaluation, assembling in-house management staff, specifying work and expertise requirements, establishing confidentiality and project control, and managing results.…

The events leading up to a controversial external evaluation in a small school district in Chicago are described from the client's viewpoint. Focus is on the community unrest and tension that shaped the evaluation contract. (TJH)

A study revealing wide variation in the grading of electronics engineering test items by different evaluators has implications for evaluator and test item selection, analysis and manipulation of grades, and the use of numerical methods of assessment. (MSE)

The manner in which results and methods are reported influences the ability of the synthesis of prior studies for planning new evaluations. Confidence ratings, coding conventions, and supplemental evidence can partially overcome the difficulties. Planners must acknowledge the influence of their own judgement in using prior research. (Author)

Reflection on experiences in Brazil and elsewhere provides insight into the advisory process in international technical cooperation projects and alternative roles for evaluation advisors. (Author)

This article argues that evaluators must go further in mapping how clients' indigenous social structures complement or conflict with the centralized rational structure of program reforms. Evaluation of youth programs in Israel and the United States exemplifies how the respective social rules of program sponsor versus clients may be mutually…