Provides case studies to look at how one measures return on investment (ROI) in training. Includes a framework for developing ROI and emphasizes the need for a variety of evaluation plans. (JOW)

In India, a survey of samples of 126 business owners with entrepreneurship training and 120 without found that trained owners broke even significantly sooner and had lower capital-outlet ratios. Another study of 2 groups of 30 found trained owners had significantly higher personal earnings, company profits, and numbers employed. (SK)

Explores the implications that continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs are likely to have for evaluation. CQI, often known as total quality management, offers a structured approach to the analysis of an organization's processes and improvement that should provide advantages to evaluators once they have gained experience with the approach.…

Outsourcing, a major corporate trend formerly used primarily for information services, is now used for marketing, distribution, maintenance, human resource management, and training. Corning outsourced its training by developing a partnership with CCFL, a nonprofit education and training organization that is a consortium of colleges. (JOW)

This evaluation matrix considers three aspects: (1) evaluation focus (purpose/rationale, context, audience); (2) evaluation design (questions, methods, data sources, analysis, reporting); and (3) management (personnel, timeline, costs). Application to six elements (participant, instructor, course, curriculum, program, project) is illustrated. (SK)

Presents a selected bibliography of scholarship in the assessment of writing. Offers 125 items that have appeared in major scholarly publications from 1979-91, organized in 7 categories: large-scale assessment; classroom writing assessment; theory; politics and issues; methods and procedures; program assessment; and networking resources. (SR)

Two quick methods for evaluating pilot tests of training programs are (1) group debriefing--directed group discussion with pilot participants; and (2) short surveys directly after specific modules are taught and at the end of the course. (SK)

States that counselors need to become more involved in program evaluation. Presents rationale for including training in program evaluation in counselor education programs. Contends that only by conducting program evaluations will counselor educators and supervisors become major players in public policy, planning, and social reform. (Author/NB)

The Program Effectiveness Rating System evaluates educational programs by ranking the following factors: resources, student demand, accessibility, student achievement, cost effectiveness, and employability of graduates. This approach provides greater accountability to all stakeholders and increases responsiveness to changing demands. (JOW)

The appropriate delivery of service to people with intellectual disabilities in Victoria (Australia) can be facilitated by General Service Plans (GSPs). This paper provides suggested content for such plans, a protocol for their evaluation, and an assessment of GSPs in Victoria constructed between 1987 and 1990. A large number of GSPs were found to…

A series of surveys in the last 30 years shows little application of Kirkpatrick's 4-level model for training evaluation (reaction, learning, application, benefit) beyond level 1, a finding confirmed in recent responses from 72 of 620 companies surveyed. A mirror of the model, working from level four to one and back, might be more widely adopted.…

Reviews current rates of adolescent pregnancy and associated costs. Contends better empirical and theoretical bases for intervention programs are needed in the future. Claims much could be gained from high quality evaluations of the many current intervention programs, although the political climate often influences program development. Previews…

Extends a previous discussion of program evaluation by presenting a scenario of how a framework would work to evaluate a writing program. Notes that the scenario involves a building-level evaluation of a metropolitan secondary school's writing across the curriculum program that has limited resources. (RS)

Examines how participants in trade union courses can effectively influence their learning experience through discussion, consultation, and negotiation with the instructor while the training activity is in progress. (JOW)

A Maryland high school has developed a formal program of school/business partnerships, with W.R. Grace Company cast in the starring role. Success depends on creating a professional position to supervise and promote school-business partnerships; providing employee training to delineate partners' roles, responsibilities, and expectations; and…