The best way to increase the value and impact of an evaluation system is to provide immediate feedback to the instructors and an innovative training climate that allows change. (SK)

A program to meet special needs of fathers of young handicapped children provided them with information and access to professional and peer support. Preliminary results indicated that participants reported lower stress and depression and higher satisfaction with social support than parents newly enrolled in the program. (Author/CL)

Presents guidelines for determining whether an impact study is desirable or feasible for evaluating continuing education programs. Describes evaluation methods and program aspects that can be measured. (SK)

Describes two methods for evaluating the content validity of a police recruit training program (N=105) and for translating the training evaluation information into training needs for program revision. Results of the Content Validity Ratio approach and the Matching Technique showed that these methods were successful. (LLL)

One successful approach to monitoring group homes for people with developmental disabilities features a parent monitoring committee with specific administrative and observational duties. Members evaluate homes on the basis of residents' rights, general environment, and staff performance. (CL)

Discusses the pros and cons of using computer-assisted instruction for training and the difficulty in evaluating various programs. (JOW)

Impact evaluations of special education programs can be designed and conducted to produce information useful for program improvement. Case studies of recent impact evaluation support this position. Assessment of program implementation and measurement of outcome--two critical areas that can greatly improve the usefulness of evaluation results--are…

Discusses the importance of constructing a good evaluation tool. (JOW)

Discusses a survey that examined extension's image, clientele, performance, and support. Found that WHO does the evaluation is as important as WHAT is being evaluated because of stereotypes of extension programs and personnel. (JOW)

How to evaluate the effectiveness of school media programs--instruments, processes, and the media specialist's attitudes. (LS)

In 2004, the Research, Program Evaluation and Information Department of "All Kinds of Minds" guided a research initiative designed to advance evidence-based scholarship about the impact of the Schools Attuned[R] Program to demonstrate the impact of Schools Attuned[R] on student outcomes; on special education; and on teacher knowledge and…

Cost analysis has become an important educational decision-making tool in recent years, as educators are being asked to do more with less funding and to provide tangible evidence of the effectiveness of educational programs. Yet few researchers and practitioners are familiar with how to conduct a cost analysis or interpret cost analysis data. This…

This phrase, data-driven decision making, is familiar to most schools and districts engaged in comprehensive school reform and improvement. It reminds practitioners that their plans have a greater likelihood of succeeding if the goals and strategies within them are based on solid information and not on hunches or habit. But where can schools get…

This evaluation examined the workability of the Northeast Ohio Principals Academy as a whole and developed recommendations concerning the organization, components, and procedures of an entry year program for new principals. The report describes the pilot entry year and examines key questions used to focus the evaluation and information identified…