According to data from 474 participants in 37 continuing education programs offered over 10 years, the majority found continuing education offerings useful, stimulating them to seek further education and resulting in significant knowledge and skills acquisition. However, only 41.7% were able to implement changes in nursing education or practice.…

Suggests that training on the Web, or e-learning, falls short of its promises. Offers an agenda for improvement: (1) stop pretending that reading is training; (2) increase bandwidth; (3) adopt interoperability standards; and (4) conduct internal and external evaluations of web-based training. (JOW)

Presents an early stage evaluation model that was used to provide a framework to assess the effectiveness of three comprehensive community initiative projects that were put in place in Nebraska in 1996. Discusses challenges of evaluating these broadbased initiatives and pitfalls in using result-based performance evaluation. (SLD)

Used concept mapping and pattern matching in exploratory research to investigate differences in stakeholder perceptions of training results and evaluation. Group perceptions and the individual perceptions of 39 managers, product developers, and training professionals show that all stakeholder groups agreed reasonably well about the importance of…

Describes development of the IES Model Assessment Practice (MAP), a set of detailed criteria to use in evaluating IES study abroad programs and discusses how IES is beginning to implement MAP. (Author/VWL)

Identifies strengths and weaknesses of the study of the Comprehensive Child Development Program and draws evaluative conclusions based on the analysis. Cites lack of stakeholder involvement and pilot studies as a weaknesses of the evaluation but notes the general quality of the effort. (SLD)

Reviews the Oregon Transition Support Initiative, an ongoing research and implementation project that prevents recidivism by helping stakeholders help incarcerated youth return to their communities. Discusses the transition process as the working relationships that together accomplish the common goal of seeing that youth offenders learn the life…

Describes the program developed at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, to promote the academic and workplace success and social and emotional adjustment of students with learning disabilities. Presents details of the evaluation planned for this program, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. (SLD)

Investors in People (IIP) is a British national standard for quality in training and development. Evaluation of companies achieving IIP recognition identified business benefits that resulted from the process. (SK)

Presents an assessment tool for Women's Studies Programs, a survey based on the student-oriented instruments found in "The Courage to Question: Women's Studies and Student Learning" and "Students at the Center: Feminist Assessment," both edited by Caryn Musil. Evaluates the survey as an assessment tool and for gathering student data. (DSK)

Implications of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 are discussed for evaluation involvement. Studies testing the theory underlying the act, that planning and performance measurement will improve program management and effectiveness, are described. Experiences of several federal agencies suggest that this underlying theory may be…

Inclusive evaluation is intended to emphasize a participatory, collaborative approach to evaluation. This panel considered what inclusive evaluation approaches look like in current practice and how to implement these approaches in practice successfully. The importance of respecting stakeholders is emphasized. (SLD)

Implementation of the Core Knowledge Sequence in 12 various schools across the United States is evaluated. Interviews and focus groups with teachers and principals reveal the nature of the reform program, local context, systemic and policy level forces, and the capacity for change impact on the implementation process. (MMU)

A communication model consisting of input from target audience, program delivery, and outcomes (receivers' perception of message) was applied to an osteoporosis-prevention program for working mothers ages 21 to 45. Due to poor completion rate on evaluation instruments and failure of participants to learn key concepts, the model was used to improve…

Provides an argument for incorporating consideration of consequences into validity theory that is grounded in the reflexive nature of social knowledge. It also calls for the consideration of evidence of validity based on the actual discourse surrounding the practices and products of testing. (SLD)