The authors respond to Ruppert's criticism of their earlier article assessing the effectiveness of the "Labor Market Orientation Program. " (GC)

Developing instructional programing priorities and planning program improvements require an understanding of how effectively program objectives are being met. A formalized process for evaluating programs has been developed at Vancouver Community College as an aid in these and other aspects of instructional planning. (SSH)

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is a useful approach for evaluating special education services at the local education agency (LEA) level because it allows for individualization of program goals for a range of special education service programs.

Evaluation models have been taken as methodologies for actually conducting evaluations, instead of as persuasions or frameworks within which more specific constructs and methods must be placed. Although evaluation models do not provide methodologies, they do provide a guide for thinking about how an evaluation could be conducted. (Author/LC)

Points our the reasons speech communication is particularly fortunate among academic fields today. Reviews criteria that will ensure the preservation of college programs: (1) quality of research; (2) interrelationship with other disciplines; (3) a balance between competence instruction and theoretical instruction; and (4) a public constituency.…

It is argued that the information needs of stakeholders should be incorporated directly into the formulation of evaluation objectives, and the design of the evaluation. The paper presents a rationale for the stakeholder survey, describes its major components, and reports on the application of the approach in a large program evaluation. (Author/BW)

Discusses eight steps to be used in evaluating vocational education programs in correctional institutions: (1) determine purposes, (2) identify desired outcomes, (3) determine questions that need to be answered, (4) select methods, (5) identify staff, (6) collect data, (7) analyze data, and (8) report results. (JOW)

A discussion and demonstration of social comparison as a means of assessing programs for mentally retarded children is presented. The position is taken that the social validation method of norm peer comparison might be helpful in determining whether certain handicapped children should be moved to a less restrictive environment. (Author)

Presents criteria to evaluate inservice educational programs before, during, and after implementation, and keys these criteria to the different purposes for evaluation. (JOW)

Current and former students enrolled in consumer and homemaking education were studied to determine how they perceived the usefulness of consumer education concepts taught in all home economics subject areas. It was concluded that basic consumer education concepts should be integrated with home economics subject areas. (Author)

As companies devote more resources to training, the need for valid information about the return on investment increases. (JOW)

Examines a range of possible approaches to the organization and implementation of staff development within colleges in order to abstract those criteria which might be considered essential ingredients of a successful approach. (Author)

Gopoler's seven criteria for planning and evaluating continuing education programs are illustrated and then applied to the evaluation of a short-term program for managers of ambulatory care services. Modifications of the criteria are suggested, based upon the nature of the program. (SK)

An expectancy-value procedure is developed for delineating the nature of interagency relationships during the operation of a youth-serving agency. Advantages of this approach are presented. (Author/GK)

Describes a study of the Juvenile Court of Cook County (Illinois), its courtroom practices, and activities outside the courtroom aimed at helping status offenders. Results and recommendations are included. Journal available from National Office for Social Responsibility, 208 North Washington, Alexandria, VA 22314. (CT)