To help teachers at one California high school evaluate tracking and other practices, the principal developed a six-step process involving studying, defining, and delimiting the prevailing practice; studying the practice's heritage; reviewing and then operationalizing the research and theory; brainstorming practice implications; and discussing and…

A study of the proportion of recommendations made in nine areas of program evaluation for two-year colleges found that most were in the area of instruction. Six areas were implemented most frequently. Direct supervisor support facilitated implementation, but insufficient staff time was a barrier. (JOW)

Research and evaluation are tools that can help validate experiential education practice and provide a better understanding of it. Defines types of research and evaluation and discusses the benefits of these activities. Reasons for conducting research include (1) gaining support and credibility; (2) program improvement; and (3) marketing. (KS)

Previous research on program implementation is integrated and extended to form a participatory approach to evaluating program implementation. This method focuses on the continuous active involvement of program developers, managers, and staff in the evaluation process. The methodology is applied to an actual program to highlight the steps involved.…

The relationship between alternative evaluation approaches and the concerns of policy communities is examined. It is assumed that there are certain criteria and methods that are more relevant to particular types of policy discussions. Evaluation methodology should be based on the interests of the policy actors involved. (TJH)

Examines formative, process, and intermediate outcome results of a school-based project linked to the National 5 A Day for Better Health campaign to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Three elementary schools conducted the local campaign. Activity logs, redeemed coupons, and focus groups indicated that the project was implemented as planned…

Pennsylvania extension educators (n=228) find it increasingly difficult to participate in inservice education, desire more distance delivery and an active voice in program planning, and would like inservice to be integrated into their plan of work. Past inservice experiences lacked quality in content and instruction. (SK)

Kansas City YouthNet is taking on a leadership role in promoting community youth development (CYD). YouthNet's efforts to shift the measurement and evaluation focus from delivery of staff services to individual youth achievement is expected to lead to additional funds, a new CYD infrastructure, and improved lives of youth. (Author/JOW)

ISO 9000 certification has the advantages of a measurable framework for quality efforts, continuous improvement, and better customer service. Drawbacks for education and training providers include volume of paperwork, ongoing cost, risk of a growing bureaucracy, and the difficulty of making changes quickly. (SK)

Explores the concept of communicative evaluation as it related to teacher-education programs. Defines communicative evaluation as a process of creating and sustaining communicative action oriented toward mutual understanding and unforced consensus in and around a program or setting. (Author/JOW)

Examines the University of Michigan's (Ann Arbor) success with a six-year energy conservation program (The Energy Star Program) offered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Describes the program's components and areas of savings the university has achieved. (GR)

Describes methods for assessing graduate students: precourse, incourse, postcourse, and long-term assessment as well as the educational process that students experience. Addresses comprehensive program evaluation via peer review. Lists eight suggested readings and 12 related Web sites. (SK)

Comments on S. Pogrow's suggestion that educational programs should be judged by the degree to which schools using them achieve "surprising scores." Emphasizes the importance of the use of control groups in program evaluation. (SLD)

Responding to Bruce Joyce's rebuttal in this same "Kappan" issue, authors reiterate conflict-of-interest concerns and evidence regarding Success for All's failure to improve academic achievement in Miami and elsewhere. Expensive programs unsupported by research distract attention from well-established principles for improving student…

Summarizes presentations at a symposium (Denver, CO, June 5, 1998) on college drinking which examined: the impact of developmental issues of late adolescence; influence of college drinking on human biology and on substance abuse in later life; student drinking during the academic year; and campus program evaluation. Concluded there was a need for…