This article refers to two uses of the term "program theory": (1) microtheory to describe the model of the program; and (2) macrotheory which is concerned with factors that affect social change both within and outside programs. Barriers to successful utilization of evaluation and suggestions to overcome those barriers are discussed. (JAZ)

It is difficult to apply benefit cost analysis to human service programs. This paper explains "threshold benefit analysis," the derivation of the minimum dollar value which the benefits must attain in order for their value to equal the intervention costs. The method is applied to a mobility training program. (BS)

Examines two West Virginia writing centers and finds no significant difference in the writing quality growth of students taught by individualized instruction in writing centers and those taught by conventional classroom instruction. Finds that the writing center programs achieved the same gain at one-half the instructional cost. (RS)

Two measurement techniques, the traditional pre- and post-intervention comparison and a "post-then" comparison (in which subjects rate themselves after intervention as they see themselves presently and as they think they were before the intervention) were compared for an intervention to change counselor attitudes toward mental retardation. Change…

The author describes the Irish Work Experience Programme designed to give youth work experience to increase their employability. Trainees were placed with a private sector employer for 26 weeks and paid a training allowance. Although many subsequently found permanent employment, the program reached few of the most disadvantaged among first-time…

This article provides a critical review of the instructional materials provided to volunteers by Laubach Literacy Action, titled The Laubach Way to Reading. A history of Laubach Literacy International (LLI) is followed by a description of materials. The LLI philosophy of reading is discussed, and comments on the value of the materials are offered.…

A workshop that uses videotaped vignettes, discussions, and role-playing exercises has become a required part of the Introduction to Clinical Medicine course for second-year medical students at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Evaluation of the program compared pretest and posttest questionnaires. (Author/MLW)

National survey data on the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefits of 11 different juvenile offender treatment program types are reviewed. Best-worst-midpoint, threshold, and convergency analyses are applied to these studies. Meaningful ways of dealing with missing information when evaluating alternative juvenile justice policies and programs are…

Field data from two case studies of youth employment and day care information/referral programs illustrate dynamic linkages between stakeholder participation and utilization in program evaluation. Elements of the participatory process (which fosters a readiness for use) are linked to cognitive, affective, and political dimensions of participation…

Describes a Dade County (Florida) Schools pilot program to decentralize the district's schools and adopt teaching professionalization as a primary goal. Using various committees and task forces, the district formulated goals, developed a shared decision-making model, addressed management/labor issues, and provided team training opportunities. (MLH)

An adapted version of the Impact on Family Scale, a rating scale for measuring the impact of the handicapped child on family members, was completed by 49 mothers of children between 36 and 64 months of age. Evaluation suggested the adapted scale is effective in assessing the effects of early intervention programs on families. (Author/DB)

A nutrition education program at the University of South Alabama Medical Center that was based on the "co-counseling model" as described by Moore and Larsen is described. Patients with one of three problem areas were selected for evaluation: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy. (MLW)

Surveys educators from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States concerning their perceptions of inservice education at the local level. Concludes that teachers are dissatisfied with all facets of inservice training. (MM)

Examines the process of giving grants to fund projects in arts education, specifically the generation of funding recommendations through the peer panel system. Analyzes a National Endowment for the Arts panel as to its overall effectiveness and expense. Concludes that while the process is expensive, it works given the criteria used. (GEA)

Presents a teacher's journal of her experiences in the accreditation process of the Willow Wood Pre-School in Winnetka, Illinois by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. (BB)