Dynamics of a large, expensive, and controversial surface and underground evaluation of a radioactive waste management program at the Yucca Mountain power plant are reviewed. The use of private contractors in the quality assurance study complicates the evaluation. This case study illustrates high stakes evaluation problems. (SLD)

Seven papers are presented, which are designed to introduce evaluators and other consultants to the complex realities of the changing world of business and industry. Topics include how the practice of evaluation is changing in organizations in transition, and evaluation from the perspective of its role in changing organizations. (SLD)

The impact of a state-mandated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education program was evaluated using a sample of 2,709 adolescents. The modest changes observed after the program emphasize that the dissemination of AIDS information by public schools is only the first step in changing adolescent behavior as a means of AIDS prevention and…

Six case studies are discussed, which illustrate the experimental and pragmatic epistemological paradigms as they function independently, compete with one another, or complement each other. Researchers should consider not only the substantive goals of an evaluation, but also the epistemological goals. (SLD)

Describes the process by which the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation certifies auto mechanics education programs with the Automotive Service Excellence seal. (SK)

Asserts that a large part of the labor pool from which businesses draw employees is poorly educated. Suggests that a good way to get help is to create strategic alliances with government agencies and private organizations. Presents examples of an alliance that was formed to address labor deficiencies in South Carolina. (JOW)

Despite teacher layoffs and program eliminations across United States, extra-year programs before kindergarten or between kindergarten and first grade are booming. Such developmental retentions are costly and could lead to higher incidence of dropping out. Schools should be ready for each child. Early-grade teachers and principals must reject…

Of the 50 states, 37 do not mandate education in prisons, although 8 are considering a policy change. Many programs include incentives and sanctions, and various evaluation criteria, such as General Educational Development achievement, test scores, and retention in the program are used. (SK)

Customized skills assessments can perform a number of functions: help training departments demonstrate their effectiveness; provide a foundation for career development programs; reinforce company values; add feedback from the bottom up for performance evaluation; provide a concentrated focus for customer service improvement; and serve as a…

Theories may fail to explain or predict outcomes of educational programs because outcomes are influenced by variations in educators' behavior and attitudes during program implementation. A theory-oriented evaluation approach includes reflection by educators on their personal and professional theoretical patterns that shape their educational…

Procedures are outlined for employing a resource components approach to collect and report cost information on training and supported employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Examination of the costs of 41 Minnesota programs indicates that costs are functionally related to different consumer and program factors. (Author/JDD)

This interview with Carolyn M. Callahan, an expert in the field of gifted education, addresses the process of evaluating gifted education programs, techniques for maximizing the impact of the evaluation findings, analysis of evaluation impact, benefits of using an outside evaluator, and parent involvement in program evaluation. (JDD)

Discusses the complexity of the process needed to effect renewal and improvement in adult literacy and basic education. Suggests that various stakeholders hold their own sets of interests and that, to implement changes effectively, these groups need to negotiate and construct a conception of quality that all can accept. (JOW)

Discussion of public library support systems for at-risk teens focuses on the Bay Area Library and Information System (BALIS) that was developed to improve library services to at-risk teenagers in the San Francisco Bay area. Highlights include needs assessment; staff training; intervention models; and project evaluation. (10 references) (LRW)

Effectiveness of a new 72-hour delivery system (USXPRESS) for pharmaceuticals purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from VA depots was evaluated by comparing 33 test sites with 11 matched sites using a pretest posttest quasiexperimental design. The USXPRESS system reduced inventory, decreased space needs, and satisfied service…