A Virtual Research and Extension Communication Network (VRECN) is a set of networked electronic tools facilitating improvement in communication processes and information sharing among stakeholders involved in agricultural development. In developing countries, research and extension personnel within a ministry of agriculture, in consultation and…

This publication shares highlights from the Eisenhower Professional Development Evaluation Conference, also introducing the upcoming Improving America's Schools (IAS) Conferences. The Eisenhower conference focused on improving content knowledge and instructional practice through effective professional development. The IAS conference will examine…

Since many first line managers (FLMs) have not participated in formal learning, how they make sense of their roles and the training they are doing is significant. A relationship between inadequate literacy skills and ability to do a job is assumed. Language, literacy, and numeracy must be understood in terms of social practice and creation of…

This report discusses a study involving 37 Canadian college and university students with disabilities and 30 Disabled Student Services (DSS) personnel that explored the use of computers in postsecondary education. Students were enrolled in community and junior colleges, universities, and postsecondary distance education institutions. Results…

This manual is a how-to-do-it guide to building coalitions of health and human service agencies, organizations, businesses, churches, and other community-based groups for collaborative research, planning, and action to improve resident health and quality of life. Most of the information provided was discovered and developed during the 4-year life…

This document presents findings from a 5-year study of the effect of the standards-based reform movement on students with disabilities. The study used pragmatic evaluation strategies that integrated both quantitative and qualitative collection methods of data and site visits to 10 high schools in six districts (including urban, rural, and suburban…

This action kit highlights steps city officials can take to help young people who are not connected to school, work, or caring adults. The kit recommends steps that cities can take to promote educational achievement, develop stronger workforce connections, support youth in transition from the foster care and juvenile justice systems, and build a…

Three staff development evaluation techniques are presented as alternatives to satisfaction questionnaires. The techniques--stages of concern, levels of use, and component assessment-- underscore the ideas that: (1) New teaching skills will be used in the classroom; (2) Finding out about classroom practices requires individual interaction with…

This study, conducted by the staff of Minnesota Research and Evaluation Project (MREP), reports the results of several needs assessment procedures used with teachers and principals from a random sample of 224 schools from 13 western and midwestern states. (HM)

Proposes scenario planning in preparing for the future of higher education. Delineates a methodology for effective scenario planning: identifying potential future scenarios; examining social, economic, political, environmental, and technological influences; exploring mental models while looking through systems maps, and developing potential…

A survey of 171 American Indian women in California who were pregnant or parenting and were considered at risk for problem substance abuse covered demographic information; personal and family history; alcohol, tobacco, and drug use; HIV risk; and a needs assessment regarding health care, economic needs, and parenting and children's needs. (LP)

Results are presented of an advocacy event in Pulaski County, Arkansas, where one school district's efforts to desegregate their gifted program resulted in more black students enrolled. Different phases of a Gifted Program Advocacy Model are used to explain important components of the Pulaski County Special School District's advocacy efforts.…

At the University of Oulu (Finland), a 1992-93 institutional evaluation included both self-assessment and external evaluation. The self-evaluation paid little attention to institutional human resource management, while the external assessment gave substantial attention to personnel policy, staff development, and manpower planning. A more strategic…

A study investigated parental perceptions (n=351) of eight physical and human resources available to meet the needs of children with developmental disabilities in Kenya. Most parents reported a match between expected use and importance in five areas: health, friends, religious affiliation, community acceptance, and having one's own home. (Contains…

Sixty-one teachers at a junior-senior high school in Nova Scotia responded to measures of inclusion attitudes and knowledge. Results revealed that teachers feel inadequately prepared for inclusion, need specific inclusion training, and feel that reducing workloads and class sizes would help. Significant positive correlations were found between…