Standardization is inimical to innovation. Although the function of a standard is to standardize, the Evaluation Research Society (ERS) Standards avoid a standardizing effect. Their contribution lies mostly in the symbolism of their existence: to issue a set of standards is to proclaim maturity of thought for the field. (Author/LC)

The underlying logic and usefulness of true performance monitoring and its potential contribution to program evaluation are examined. It provides an accumulating data base to serve many research designs and generally supports the evaluation process. Increased emphasis on performance monitoring will lead to more cost-effective, policy-relevant…

Five sequential steps form a model for developing, implementing, and evaluating a career education program for handicapped students: assessing students' needs; identifying specific career education goals; identifying barriers and facilitators; generating intermediate objectives; and measuring program effectiveness. (CL)

Presents an evaluation form that library media specialists, teachers, and students can use to rate their school library media center. (WD)

A study of journal citations was used to identify which of the writings published before passage of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 have continued to influence evaluation thought in education throughout the 1970s. Five classic articles were identified, and reasons for their continued influence are suggested. (Author/BW)

Describes the management planning and control system (MPCS) model for handling program cutbacks (reverse resource allocation), which incorporates elements of zero base budgeting, goal programing, and the effectiveness evaluation-resource allocation process. Applies MPCS to cutbacks at the College of Business Administration at the University of…

Examines seven surveys containing ratings of geography departments that appeared between 1924 and 1980. All the surveys attempted to assess the relative standing of Ph.D.-granting departments of geography in the United States. (RM)

Discusses why measuring behavior change is an effective way to project how the training program is contributing to the objectives of the organization and reducing operating costs. (CT)

The assessment of the outcomes of social programs should always include estimates of the size of the effects produced. Various approaches to this problem are discussed. (Author)

Serial Evaluation Activities (SEAs) are series' of focused evaluational studies, each dealing with a well-defined "component unit" within a complex project. Strategies for enhancing timeliness in SEAs include a comprehensive conceptual framework, a permanent institutional setting, a prearranged sample plan, utilization of item banks, and…

The author reviews three topics featured in his first Behavior Modification column: pupil management, social validation, and nondiscriminatory testing. Two new topics are also discussed: data and decisions, and program evaluation. (Author)

Reports the results of a study of the discipline alternative, in-school suspension, in which disruptive students are removed from the mainstream and placed in a specialized program within the school. Identifies four areas in which discrepancies were found between what was planned and what actually happened. (Author/WD)

Describes the systematic program developed by the faculty of medicine at the University of Newcastle (Australia) for the evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of its educational endeavors. Evaluation needs, process, and constraints are discussed, as well as the specific tasks required at the University. (Author/JD)

Reports on the first intensive evaluation of the Private Sector Initiative Program. Recommends that Congress and the Labor Department should refrain from changing PSIP's structure, allow time for it to develop fully at the local level, continue to observe local developments closely, and learn from the experience. (CT)

Key elements to ensure the effectiveness of training include (1) systematic development of instructional materials; (2) a means of preparing trainers; (3) techniques to transfer training to job performance; (4) materials to support administration and management of trainees; and (5) systematic measurement of program effectiveness. (SK)