Surveys employees (N=16,603) who had used a large multinational company's employee assistance program (EAP), adult dependents who had used the EAP, employees who had not used the EAP, and adult dependents who had not used the EAP. Findings indicate that EAP users viewed the EAP more positively than nonusers. (Author/MKA)

The six chapters of this theme issue present participatory evaluation as a viable and creative addition to contemporary evaluation practice. Practical and transformative participatory evaluation streams are identified, and participatory evaluation is illustrated through case studies. (SLD)

The nine articles of this theme issue provide overviews of legislative program evaluation and demonstrate the tensions caused by the conflict between utility and rigor in such evaluations. Legislative evaluation is concerned with evaluation utilization because legislators commission evaluations they expect to use. (SLD)

Details the design and implementation of a rolling review process for community-based adult literacy programs. Describes four steps: documentation to become "review ready," collection of feedback from participants and key informants, site visit by reviewers, and use of the evaluation report as a planning tool. (SK)

Evaluations of five youth-leadership programs integrated research and practice; findings were documented, analyzed, and shared with staff so that improvements could be made immediately. Staff provided feedback to broaden their understanding and ensure that research focused on critical issues. (Author/JOW)

Researchers asked 60 randomly selected principals from 34 California school districts to identify differences between combination (multigraded), single-grade, and nongraded classes; to explain their rationale for assigning teachers to combination classes; and to rate teachers' abilities. Principals considered combination classes more challenging…

Examines the first phase of a comprehensive evaluation plan for Nebraska's public school health programs. The evaluation used the Targeting Outcomes of Programs framework to gather parents' perspectives about program benefits. Surveys of parents from 60 school districts indicated that most parents supported funding health programs and believed…

The current status of multicultural-counseling training at university counseling-center predoctoral internship sites was evaluated. Fifty training directors completed a mailed survey, and the results contribute to an understanding of graduate training programs. Training considerations and recommendations are discussed. (Author)

Senior staff members at a family foundation share their perspectives, as managers and practitioners, on the ethical challenges and opportunities facing professionals engaged in the evaluation of comprehensive, community-based initiatives and other nontraditional program strategies. (Author/SLD)

This special section includes "The View from the Middle" (Dick Schaaf); "Crossing the Channel" (Dawn Garrett); and "Bandwidth Basics" (Dick Schaaf). Sidebars look at bandwidth and management issues as well as courseware development. (JOW)

Describes the Austin (Texas) Independent School District's evaluation of its Summer Opportunity to Accelerate Reading (SOAR) pilot program, designed to help low-achieving students in grades 1 through 3 to improve reading skills. Participating students improved skills, teachers and other staff supported the program, and 45 participating teachers…

Describes how the staff in one in-service program attempted to integrate assessment with another in-service program through the development and utilization of an implementation rubric. The rubric provided participants with opportunities to reflect upon their practice, revealed the changes that occurred in participants' classrooms and their…

Discusses factors associated with fairness and equity in relation to student discontinuation in nursing education. Shows how discontinuation is an integral part of higher education quality reviews. Promotes pre-exit counseling, monitoring of attrition, and review of academic and professional standards. (SK)

Reports survey data from students and faculty at a high school where there is a program for pregnant and parenting teenagers. Most faculty see the program and its social work interventions as preventing school dropout among young parents. Students, too, are supportive of the program. (Author/GCP)

Describes development, implementation, and evaluation of a theory-based faculty development program for physician-educators in medicine and pediatrics at the Cleveland Clinic (Ohio). The program includes a 12-hour course focused on precepting skills, bedside teaching, and effective feedback; on-site coaching; and innovative projects in clinical…