Investigates how science education students (n=265) rank some identified science education program standards and discusses their perceptions of the desirability and achievement of the standards in Nigeria. Results indicate that encouraging students to become self-directed learners and emphasizing the utilization of scientific values were…

Although evaluation research supports distance-learning methods, the literature fails to distinguish factors contributing to successful programs. Based on existing standards for audiovisual transmission and instructional quality, this article outlines technical, instructional, organizational, and ethical (access) criteria to help school leaders…

Describes a mentoring program that matched senior managers with high-potential people. Steps include matching mentors and proteges, meeting with participants, implementing the program, and evaluating the program. (JOW)

Addresses the issue of absenteeism and reviews how two facilitated elementary school groups proved successful in achieving improved attendance while the groups were in session. Discusses the general benefits of attendance groups and describes how a supportive, goal-focused group format suggests added potential for therapeutic and scholastic…

Presents a continuum of service learning projects in higher education that has four dimensions: amount, duration, and type of experiences; degree of student choice; type and amount of supervision; and amount of internal/external oversight. Offers considerations for faculty involved in organizing, managing, and evaluating service learning projects.…

Developed and field tested the Performance Accountability Quality Scale (PAQS) on 191 program performance measurement systems developed by nonprofit agencies in central Florida. Preliminary findings indicate that the PAQS provides a structure for obtaining expert opinions based on a theory-driven model about the quality of proposed measurement…

The six chapters of this issue consider how language shapes the meaning of social policies and programs that are evaluated. Offers interdisciplinary perspectives on these language issues and highlights the practical issues involved in language function in evaluation. (SLD)

In focus groups 10 graduates of a distance education master's in nursing program discussed the degree's impact on their careers and the importance of personal support in completing the program. Distance education enabled them to remain based in their communities, improving access to health care and raising community awareness of the role of…

Suggests research designs and methodologies that are useful in program evaluation when information is hard to measure, or sensitive in nature, or difficult for the respondent to articulate. Illustrates the application of these methods, which include intersubjective certifiability and triangulated respondent groups among other approaches, through…

Outlines a few items of "unfinished business" in the profession of evaluation, focusing on outcome evaluation, also called impact evaluation. No issue related to the future of evaluation seems more important than that of finding routine methods to assess the impact of everyday practical programs on the social conditions they address.…

Sets forth a vision for evaluation in the future that is disciplined in the sense of being planned, systematic, and funded in ways that adhere to professional standards, principles, and codes, resulting in the improvement of services, products, performances, and quality of life. In the ideal future, disciplined evaluation will become a pervasive…

Makes 15 predictions about the future of evaluation and outlines 4 challenges that will determine the future of the field: (1) negotiating permanent truces in paradigm wars; (2) using science intelligently rather than joining in politically correct attacks on it; (3) keeping evaluation independent enough of societal trends to be able to evaluate…

Advocates and presents an illustrative structure for interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in evaluation. Posits that the introduction of such programs will give prospective students options through which they can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to conduct evaluations. Describes the interdisciplinary evaluation program at Western…

Reviews the conclusions drawn in articles in this special issue and comments on some of the major themes, including paradigm debates, context issues, the role of evaluators and evaluation, the performance measurement movement, and the impact of new technologies on evaluation. (SLD)

Discusses preservation education programs and describes a workshop follow-up program by SOLINET (Southeastern Library Network) designed to measure the effects of training, provide ongoing support, and develop a long-term mechanism for evaluating workshop effectiveness. Presents results obtained after collecting qualitative and quantitative data…