Educational supervision must be tied to improving staff skills in several critical areas--planning, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluating, and modifying programs to meet individual students' needs. To address supervisors' training deficiencies in these areas, this article recommends a workable training model and outlines desirable supervisor…

In the evaluation of a major university's effort to extend its resources in support of volunteer development, the program decisionmakers' involvement went beyond the usual limits. The program advisory council participated in the design of data collection instruments and the interviewing of clients. The advantages and disadvantages are described.…

This survey of 24 instructors of agricultural power and machinery attempted to determine (1) the status of agricultural mechanics programs for agricultural assistants in Nigerian schools of agriculture and (2) the possible future orientation of agricultural mechanics programs. (CH)

This paper provides a summary of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses and their potential importance for decision making. The extent to which these tools are actually used, the possible connections between meta-analysis and cost-effective analysis, and the connection between effect sizes and benefit-cost ratios are discussed. (JAZ)

Reviews the growth of self-help groups and the current status of the movement. Suggests ways in which counselors can draw upon such groups in their professional practicies. Includes suggestions for evaluating groups and resources on self-help groups. (Author/ABB)

Describes and defines dimensions of program evaluation--target, purpose, and stage--relevant to school psychologists, combining them into a conceptual framework indicating 48 different types of program evaluation. Incorporates relevant aspects of existing program evaluation strategies and action research, affording practitioners a strategy for…

Describes the partnership between the Dallas Independent School District and local citizens that came about because of an editorial that advised that education must become an obsession to reduce student pregnancy, drug abuse, and dropouts. Discusses factors that have contributed to the success of the program. (JOW)

Tells leaders how to design debriefing and processing sessions that allow outdoor education participants to integrate learning and achieve closure to experiences by setting aside time to reflect; asking proper questions; planning appropriate reflective activities; assessing collective and individual needs of group; and balancing variety,…

An econometric analysis, using a research design based on the nonequivalent control group (NECG), assessed the effectiveness of a program offering free evaporative coolers to low-income families owning air conditioners. The NECG controls for serious threats to internal validity, except for self-selection. The program successfully reduced energy…

Strategies for use by clients who commission evaluation studies in the private, university, or governmental sector are outlined. Topics covered include establishing the purpose of the evaluation, assembling in-house management staff, specifying work and expertise requirements, establishing confidentiality and project control, and managing results.…

Presents the results of research carried out with 162 fifth grade students who visited a museum. Students were divided into two groups: those receiving a guided tour and those receiving personal guides. Attitudes toward social science and museums were measured. (RB)

In the last two decades, at least 20 economic analyses of early education intervention have been conducted and their results widely distributed. A critical review of this literature indicates that few studies provide credible evidence for the cost-effectiveness of early intervention for disadvantaged children. (TJH)

Offers a broad overview of the developmental reading program at Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana. Discusses the unwritten and written course goals, the administration of the reading program, and four aspects of the organization (courses, conferences, evaluation, and use of support services). (MS)

This article describes conceptual and methodological limitations of existing research on the efficacy of early intervention programs. Recent studies using meta-analytic techniques to generate testable hypotheses are reviewed. Recommendations for greater precision in measurement and for improved research design are offered. (DB)

Reviews the Robbins Report, considering today's educational issues from its perspective. Concentrating mainly on the university component of British higher education, Moser concludes that many of its themes are relevant today. Argues for less educational specialization, total financial review, and continued support of higher education for those…