Discusses how trainers can ensure that the monetary value of training results exceeds the cost of training. Describes how training programs at LensCrafters, Sears, and Apple have increased their return on investment. (JOW)

Program-theory approaches to evaluation have gained acceptability over the past 25 years as a means for examining conditions for implementation that are associated with better outcomes and developing detailed program theory. They have also gained confusion, as witnessed in the review of recent studies in this article. (Author/SLD)

The "use of evaluation" once meant the use of evaluation results for making program decisions, but there is a new awareness of the possibility of using many aspects of evaluation. This paper highlights the importance of considering additional prospective users of evaluation, including organizers, client groups, and civil society. (Author/SLD)

The Evaluation Voices approach collaboratively united perspectives of program stakeholders, evaluators, and network partners to strengthen individual program evaluation strategies. This approach is described, with emphasis on the shared experience of evaluators and network partners. (SLD)

Lucent Technologies' Learning and Performance Center links organizational learning and development to learner needs, delivers learning via technology when and where needed, and assesses the impact of learning programs on business results. The company believes the core of its competitive advantage is employees with up-to-date skills, knowledge, and…

Compares past participants (n=33) in an Afrocentric pregnancy prevention program for adolescent females with nonparticipants (n=32). Results suggest that A Journey Toward Womanhood had a positive impact, delaying the initiation of sexual intercourse, increasing contraceptive use among those who were having intercourse, and reducing the incidence…

Explores which factors predicted changes in knowledge and beliefs among middle school students (N=1450) after exposure to a pregnancy prevention program. Results show that the single most important predictor of improvement in knowledge and beliefs about pregnancy prevention was the program itself, not background variables. (MKA)

Suggests that performance measurement data already being collected could become more useful, at low additional cost, by further analyzing the relationships among the measures, especially across time. Using logic models and analyzing variability among program delivery units could provide evidence for hypothesized connections among delivery,…

Examined the stages of evaluation practice and use at a national multisite community service program with an internal evaluation department. Reviews challenges to evaluation use and organizational supports for it and discusses the integrated theory of use of K. Kirkhart (2000) at both site and national levels. Summarizes lessons learned in this…

Performance indicators allow a standardized assessment of the performance of labor education programs. Adjusting performance for the reemployment rate of nonparticipants helps determine which programs to support and fund. (SK)

Discusses the role that causal models play in program theory evaluation. Considers several types of causal relationships and discusses three causal models derived from systems theory, the theories of virtuous or vicious cycles, symptomatic solutions, and feedback delays. (SLD)

Explores how theory-based evaluation can be used to help conduct formative, reflective evaluation in educational settings. Program theory evaluation identifies links between planned activities and anticipated outcomes. This model helps schools clarify program goals, and builds cooperation and buy-in an evaluation as it encourages reflective…

Examined the empowerment evaluation approach in the context of a case study of three comprehensive communities' initiatives. Considers issues related to the evaluator's role, differences relative to other inclusive evaluation approaches, stakeholder involvement, evaluation context variables, and the concept and practice of empowering program…

Describes differences between program evaluation in the United States and international program evaluation. Also describes a number of promising developments and methodological approaches and suggests areas in which a closer exchange of experience between U.S. evaluation practitioners and their colleagues from developing countries could be…

Introduces a new section for this journal devoted to teaching evaluation that intends to disseminate effective teaching strategies to the broad community of practicing evaluators. Articles for the planned section will focus on evaluation teaching and training in diverse environments. (SLD)