Presents a conceptual framework for putting program theory into operation. The framework incorporates variables that reflect theoretical concepts and implementation issues addressed in program evaluation. It organizes variables into input, process, and output categories. Discusses implications for program evaluation. (SLD)

Describes the evaluation of Project TEAMS, a curriculum-delivery model for middle school in order to stimulate meta-evaluations by readers of the journal. Encourages readers to evaluate the reported evaluation. (SLD)

Provides managers with specific guidance on developing and using logic models. For the last 20 years logic models have been used largely in program evaluations to chart what should have happened and what did or did not occur as intended. Logic models start with inputs and work through processes to the desired end state, whether output or outcome.…

Makes the case that both internal and external evaluation are needed in the assessment of educational systems. Suggests some conditions have to be met to establish a constructive dialogue between internal and external evaluation. (SLD)

Discusses the challenges facing foundations and offers a nine-part framework to suggest how an evaluation office can help foundations meet these challenges. The emphasis on capacity building is also of interest to organizations other than foundations. (SLD)

Academic departments and institutions are increasingly seeking professional advice through external reviews to enhance their curriculum, assess programs, develop research initiatives, and establish strategic plans. The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) that has expanded its consulting program to provide a wider range of services that meet…

We implemented an intergenerational (IG) summer program at a colocated site for 2 consecutive summers to maximize continuity and enhance sustainability. We incorporated multiple methods to represent the views of key program stakeholders, including staff and administrators, parents who attended the program, and facilitators reports of the…

One of the most pressing needs in gifted education, and in education in general, is how to conduct a responsible evaluation. In this article, the author discusses one of the most important procedures in program evaluation, which is to distinguish between summative evaluation and formative evaluation. In summative evaluation, the data is being…

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to evaluate a Higher Education Administration doctoral program, to understand student perceptions of program quality, to improve both student satisfaction and retention to degree completion, and to plan for the future. Findings from survey data and focus group interviews indicated program strengths to…

Group counseling has been highlighted as one effective intervention for at-risk students, yet debate remains as to the comparable efficacy of traditional interventions versus thematic interventions. This study compared two psychosocial educational programs, the PEGS and ARK Programs, designed to help elementary school students with social skills…

What constitutes quality in early childhood settings, and how can it best be measured with today's widely used tools and promising new approaches? Find authoritative answers in this book, a must-have for high-level administrators and policymakers as more and more states adopt early childhood Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. The most…

This chartbook uses the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) to report on recent findings on children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in the United States. The NSCH provides a unique view of CSHCN in the context of where they live, play and go to school. It also allows comparisons to children without special health care needs.…

American Institutes for Research (AIR) conducted an external evaluation of Vermont's Ed-Tech Program from January 2010-June 2011. The purpose of the evaluation was to provide feedback on the implementation and outcomes of the competitive grant programs that were active during this time. The findings of the evaluation are intended to help VTDOE…

This report summarizes findings from a two-year study of Chicago's Excellence in Teaching Pilot, which was designed to drive instructional improvement by providing teachers with evidence-based feedback on their strengths and weaknesses. The pilot consisted of training and support for principals and teachers, principal observations of teaching…

This report summarizes the results of the Newark, New Jersey, Striving Readers program for project Years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This report updates one analysis (3 years); the remainder of the impacts and implementation findings are for Year 4. The Striving Readers Grant addresses the unmet needs of middle school students reading 2 or more years below…