Implemented a comprehensive, school-based instructional and social-competency-promotion program to prevent problem behavior in a middle school. Evaluation of the five-year program showed that it was ineffective, with no dependable results on youth behavior. Discusses implications of these findings. (SLD)

Describes the conceptual design, research framework, evaluation components, and analytic strategies that are guiding the evaluation of a demonstration-research effort, the American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST). The ASSIST evaluation is a unique analysis of the relationships among social context, public-health activity, tobacco use, and…

This special issue presents results of a multisite, multiyear national demonstration project designed to test the effectiveness of integrating street outreach programs aimed at preventing HIV infection with referral to substance abuse treatment for populations that historically have been difficult to reach (Author/SLD)

Examines several efforts to assess the contributions of urban universities to the individuals and communities they serve, including the Restructuring for Urban Student Success Project, the Urban Universities Portfolio Project, and the Urban University Statistical Portrait. Suggests the primary benefit will be institutional self-reflection rather…

Executives from 25 firms described forces changing execu5tive education in the following areas: learning needs, content, teaching methods, instructors, participant mix, and organizational integrating mechanisms. Program assessment is weak, learning needs must shift to a global ecosystem focus, and educators should anticipate and train for future…

An evaluation effort that used goal attainment scaling to examine a program designed to promote student involvement in transition activities among secondary students with disabilities. The method was user friendly and consistent with self-determination and resulted in meaningful feedback. Limitations included timing difficulties and lack of buy-in…

This commentary discusses three major factors that are reshaping the field of behavioral support: change in the outcomes of research/intervention, change in the comprehensive nature of interventions, and change in the contexts in which research is conducted. The focus on broader outcomes, comprehensive support, and real contexts is emphasized. (CR)

Explores some opportunities open to evaluators as practitioners of organizational development and the advantages and competencies evaluators can bring to such initiatives. Presents eight examples of such opportunities. (SLD)

Addresses program evaluation of the personnel preparation in early-intervention programs. Describes an interdisciplinary preservice program, discusses the program's evaluation areas, reviews the specific evaluation tools, and presents evaluation results over a four-year period. Critical program components are highlighted. (Author/DB)

Describes the positive mental, physical, and social growth impacts that the camping experience had on the author, and urges camp program evaluation to plan and implement such changes. Sidebar lists steps of effective evaluation: program goals and objectives, goals of evaluation, implementation of evaluation, data analysis, and findings and…

Describes Iowa Central Community College's approach to enrollment management, citing seven keys to its success: (1) the president's personal leadership; (2) a college-wide commitment to excellence; (3) strong administrative support; (4) high expectations for personnel; (5) well-defined enrollment management strategies; (6) participation by…

At Columbia College Chicago, the marketing communication department is evaluating and improving internship outcomes based on companion student and employer surveys. (Author)

Examined effects of Smart Start, a broad-based community initiative, on the quality of child care for North Carolina preschoolers. Found that care quality, as measured by the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, was significantly higher in 1996 than in 1994. Child care quality in 1996 was related to the number of local quality improvement…

Correlated medical school performance of underrepresented minority students participating in Boston University's Early Medical School Selection Program with their Scholastic Aptitude Test and Medical College Admission Test scores. Found that students with higher scores had more success completing their first two years of medical school and passing…

Describes an approach to introducing performance measurement into a large federal health program, the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, in response to the government Performance and Results Act. Also discusses characteristics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic that present unique challenges for performance measurement. (SLD)