Describes 10-year-old Victoria, Australia granny flat program which has about 3,000 units in place. Sees granny flats, designed as standardized units using panels, as offering privacy yet proximity to family. Reviews Victoria program; suggests that state initiatives are more successful than local ones, and that decentralized administration is…

An ex ante benefit-cost analysis was conducted of applied tree improvement programs in the North Central Region from 1986 through the year 2030. Results for 24 tree species indicate that ex ante evaluation of the programs is difficult, but the intuition of professionals has built-in efficiency considerations. (TJH)

The problem associated with evaluating an econometric model using values outside those used in the model estimation is illustrated in the evaluations of a residential load management program during each of two successive years. Analysis reveals that attention must be paid to this problem. (Author/TJH)

Use and misuse of evaluation results are discussed. Variations in evaluation definitions, entity used, nature of the user, time and place of evaluation use, personal factor, basic premises of utilization-focused evaluation, misutilization, and method and rationales for use are discussed. A case example with a federal program is outlined. (TJH)

Proposes evaluation guidelines that are tailored specifically for adult basic education programs and reflect the issues of content and delivery typical of many local programs. Includes a sample evaluation tool. (JOW)

Defines and illustrates curriculum planning according to two basic models--the objectives and interaction approaches. Uses a sample of 20 New South Wales (Australia) primary schools to determine teacher preferences. School and individual scores on both models were not vastly different, suggesting eclectic use of these models. Includes 25…

The first four years of a summer faculty development program were evaluated through participant surveys, quarterly trainee logs, and reports of participant projects. The program received consistently high ratings; number of courses with gerontology/geriatrics content increased; and trainees went on to train peers, students, and laypersons. (SK)

Analysis of data of two cooperative extension studies suggests that research costs can be lowered by reducing sample size without compromising results, descriptive studies can have a larger margin of error in calculating sample size without compromise, and comparative studies' results are unaffected by a 3% margin of error but are dramatically…

Presents methodology and results of the focus group interviews with 21 people from elementary and secondary schools and 17 people from institutions serving adults which were conducted as part of an evaluation of the Career Information System of Iowa. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of focus groups and additional applications to career…

Evaluation of secondary school music programs should not be based on performing groups' success. The Music Educators National Conference has suggested that a comprehensive evaluation should examine several aspects of a school music program, including goals and objectives, leadership, staffing, curriculum and scheduling, instructional materials,…

Reports the processes and results of an evaluation of the Theatre Artists-in-Schools Program of a large school district. Surveys principals, curriculum specialists, teachers, students, theater artists, and parents. Finds that the theater program was perceived as adding to the curriculum, to positive attitudes, and to student achievement in general…

More effective evaluation of training requires an integrated approach and an appropriate organizational culture that recognizes the value of evaluation and links it to organizational objectives. (SK)

PPG's training department enhanced its value to the organization by getting closer to its internal customer and helping them build the competencies needed to meet business goals. Techniques included the training, development, and education process model and a professional development sourcebook clarifying competencies and activities for acquiring…

Steps in presenting evaluation recommendations are outlined. The steps include the following: the development of effective recommendations, the presentation of effective recommendations, and the effective following up of recommendations. (TJH)

Offers a case study that examines the methodological problems of evaluating a community relations program in Northern Ireland. Recommends a quantitative and qualitative approach to evaluation and raises issues that must be addressed when evaluating community development programs. (Author/JOW)