A model for quality assurance (QA) in psychiatric hospitals is described. Its functions (general QA, utilization review, clinical records, evaluation, management information systems, risk management, and infection control), subfunctions, and corresponding staffing requirements are reviewed. This model was designed to foster standardization in QA…

The effectiveness of interactive videodisc for teaching word processing was evaluated with 17 students using WordPerfect and a control group of 17 taught conventionally. Results revealed no significant difference in learner knowledge, learner attitude, and instruction time between the two groups. (JOW)

Compared the effectiveness of the American Cancer Society's "FreshStart," the American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking," and a laboratory smoking cessation clinic. A one-year followup favored the more intensive laboratory and "Freedom from Smoking" clinics over the "FreshStart" method. (FMW)

A five-year study of the bachelor of science in nursing program at Regents College documents the plausibility and efficacy of a program in which learning is self-directed and acquired primarily through resources external to the institution and which is validated and certified by objective assessment instruments and procedures. (JOW)

As part of the 1987-88 Westchester Principals' Center program evaluation, active principals were asked what motivates their participation in professional development activities. This article summarizes their answers, along with perceived participation benefits, visions of the principalship, and the influence of prior experiences on learning…

As one Maryland district's experience shows, a district-operated food-and-nutrition service is capable of meeting student demands while maintaining a fiscally, administratively, and nutritionally sound program. Districts should first evaluate their food programs as to student satisfaction, financial health, performance and cost/savings incentives,…

Pitfalls of sloppy science are discussed as they relate to the evaluation of human services programs. Differences between trial-and-error methods and the scientific method are discussed; and the requirements for sound research are reviewed, as are the shortcomings of a less rigorous approach. (SLD)

Seven essential ingredients for a successful tech prep program include philosophical support, communication, employer support, a comprehensive career guidance program, effective staff development programs, sound curriculum development techniques, and continuous evaluation and modification. (JOW)

During the evolution of an evaluation process for the University of Pennsylvania's doctoral program in nursing, a task force developed criteria and sources for program evaluation and surveyed students, alumni, and faculty to write a self-study report for external reviewers. (JOW)

Provides an overview of "Read on the Wild Side," a summer reading program for young adults established by the Webster (New York) Public Library, and "Read Hard, Play Later," a young adult summer reading program of the Pioneer Library System (New York). Highlights include reading logs, T-shirts, publicity, program evaluation,…

The National Literacy Program in Namibia (NLPN) was launched in 1992 with the objective of achieving 80% national literacy among adults. Several evaluations, including an evaluation of system policy and performance, have been conducted. The methodology of these evaluations and the philosophy behind them are discussed. (SLD)

Describes the authors' experiences in organizing bilingual evaluation case competitions for the National Capital Chapter of the Canadian Evaluation Society for three years. Competition structure, eligibility, judging, contestant recruiting, and preparing cases are outlined. (SLD)

Outlines issues involved in evaluating community services and lists questions to be considered: Why evaluate? What are the benefits and costs? and What is being evaluated? Describes methods: surveys, case studies, performance indicators, action research, and holistic evaluation. (SK)

Examines the doctoral training experiences of 69 counseling and 38 clinical-psychology graduate students in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues prior to internship. Results show that training concerning these issues was inadequate and that counseling programs had better records of training in LGB issues than did clinical programs. Implications…

Examines three major questions about the evolution of Discipline-Based Art Education (DBAE) from 1988 to 1996: What factors affected the reformulation of DBAE in the Getty Regional Institute Grant program? What has DBAE become in Regional Institutes? and, What do findings reveal about the education process and the program evaluators? (DSK)