A study attempted to determine (1) whether nontraining managers' future financial support for the training function varied based on the amount and kind of information contained in written evaluation reports and (2) the deeper logic and behavior that nontraining managers used in making their decision. The research used a quasi-experimental design…

A procedure is presented for communicating evaluation results to various publics in an effort to achieve wider use of the results. A combination of strategies from the evaluation specialist and public relations specialists first requires an analysis of the perceptions of people with whom the evaluators wish to communicate. This analysis must…

This project developed and validated a method for collecting and reporting information about students' preparation in English for college level work. Over 300 high school seniors completed the "Experiences in English" inventory and a questionnaire on their academic background, interests, and their reactions to the inventory. Additional…

The effects of specific vs. nonspecific referral information and test data on school psychologists' decisions were investigated. Eighty-two psychologists reviewed a hypothetical case study and made psychoeducational decisions. Knowledge of a teacher's reasons for referral did not influence expectations or placement decisions, but test data on…

A study of 45 classroom teachers revealed that the teachers used students' individual psychological test performance in identifying the learning-disabled and the non-learning-disabled child. The achievement level of the school did not influence the teachers' decisions to identify a child as handicapped. (Author/CB)

Evaluation must take into account both executive and legislative politics and their interactions. A five-part continuum evaluation process is suggested for the development of a policy question and its translation into knowledge that is credible, timely, responsive, and usable. Evaluators have a major responsibility in this process. (Author/JAZ)

Identifies aspects of reference services amenable to evaluation, discusses the need for measures of service quality as well as quantity, presents modifications of current measures that meet this need, and stresses the importance of linking performance measures to library planning. (CLB)

Describes how Pre-Planning Evaluation (PPE) aids initial curriculum planning. Presents a case study of how PPE influenced the development of the electricity curriculum in Israeli technical high schools. Concludes that PPE is an essential component of the curriculum development process. (GEA)

Describes different types of financial reports needed in libraries as the bases for accountability, evaluation, and decision making. The appropriate form and content of reports are identified in terms of the audience and the use of the report. (CLB)

Through a description and comparison of standards for evaluation and criteria for judging naturalistic inquires some potential conflicts in using naturalistic methods are identified. Analysis of problems suggests that compromises in the use of evaluation standards and criteria for naturalistic procedures are usually necessary. (Author/JAZ)

A microeconomic paradigm is proposed for the evaluation of special education in schools. The special education process is described in three phases: referral to special education by the classroom teacher; special classroom program; and mainstreaming. The relationship between referral by teachers, classroom resources, and students' desirable…

Describes how social workers in a family agency were trained to apply single-case evaluation procedures. The staff's assessment points to four factors that influence practice evaluation: (1) perceived relevance to job responsibilities, (2) utility for immediate action of decision makers, (3) involvement of practitioners, and (4) organizational…

Evaluation synthesis, a meta-evaluation method developed by the General Accounting Office to improve evaluation utilization by legislators, is described. It is designed to: (1) focus on the information needs and priorities of legislators, and (2) ensure continuous communication between sponsor and evaluator. The strengths and limitations of this…

The education evaluation efforts of the federal government are discussed, focusing on the question of their effectiveness in informing the policymaking process. Successful evaluation criteria are outlined. An evaluation must provide useful information to policymakers to be a success. (DWH)

Premature application of quantitative indicators formerly used for individual assessment and research to bureaucratic decision making can produce side effects that are dysfunctional in nature. In order to illustrate this phenomenon, the author reviews a general literature and utilizes examples form mental health care. (Author/BW)