This case study describes a comprehensive program evaluation of a human service bachelor's degree program at a midsize, traditional university. The program evaluation model is describes, as well as the multiple methods used for gathering data. Critiques and recommendations are provided as advice to those interested in conducting their own program…

Part 1 of a five-part series of case studies on how some large organizations are using and measuring enterprise-wide electronic learning profiles Braxton's efforts to move from 95% classroom-based training in 1999 to a blend of live and e-learning, resulting in substantial cost savings. (JOW)

Proposed a three-phase model for program theory building and testing in evaluation and tested the model in studies involving 540 employees and 315 elementary school teachers. The studies show how to cumulate knowledge about evaluation and how knowledge can be derived from evaluation. (SLD)

Presents results of a literature review, organized the Milstein and Cotton evaluation capacity (B. Milstein and D. Cotton, 2000) framework, detailing and analyzing the contextual factors and system features that impact the evaluation capacity of school counseling programs. Discusses implications for evaluation in other settings. (SLD)

Presents topics for parents to consider when selecting and evaluating a preschool program, including: teacher qualifications, licensing and accreditation, environment, physical activity, safety and security, social atmosphere, planning and goals, parent involvement, discipline, intellectual development, and program and class size. Two sidebars…

Discusses how one medical school modified its evaluation system to identify and frame the most important questions facing program planning, particularly those issues that go beyond traditional cognitive measures to address practice environment and curricular innovations. (EV)

Implementation of an experimental flexible scheduling program was basis for a naturally occurring field experiment. Results of a six-year assessment indicate significant reductions in employee absenteeism in a large subunit of a public utility company after the flexible scheduling intervention for the experimental group. No such changes were…

Describes the chronological development of student services program evaluation at a mid-size, land grant institution. Claims committee process and survey results helped staff move from departmental focus to division-wide and institution-wide focus. Recommends others contemplating program evaluation will find the chronology applicable to their…

Developed method for empirically evaluating functioning of peer-based alcohol abuse prevention organization. Used results to design intervention to improve organization's functioning by increasing student control, enhancing cohesiveness, and providing training in leadership skills and alcohol use. Reassessment one year later indicated that…

Claims program planning and evaluation are integral techniques in higher education. Recommends student affairs divisions must become effective partners in strategic planning in their institutions. Describes five-year cycle designed to integrate division planning with broader strategic planning at the institutional level. (ABL)

Criticisms of traditional approaches to the assessment of student abilities and instructional program design are reviewed and alternative, dynamic approaches are suggested. A major feature of the suggested approaches is assistance to influence student performance and thus reveal the potential for change. The approaches are categorized and examined…

The traditional view that an activity's comparative impact on collective welfare ought to guide resource allocation is refuted. A paradigm of a multisystem society with the non-fungibility of investment resources an essential issue in project appraisal is presented. (SLD)

Progress in evaluation of dispute mediation efforts and results of a survey of directors of 95 mediation programs in 25 states are discussed. Thirty-nine directors provided their evaluation instruments. Results provide insights into purposes/contents of evaluations, compliance rates, satisfaction with mediators, mediator effectiveness, and…

Opportunity to respond is a valuable tool in any classroom. By observing a target student in the gym, the administrator can develop a picture of the class's response patterns and evaluate the activity's educational value. The gymnasium is a classroom where all students should be learning. Includes two references. (MLH)

Compares auditing with evaluation research in terms of foci, independence, quality control, and professionalism of program evaluation practitioners. Indicates that if policymakers do not consider what they expect from evaluations and incorporate expectations into requests for evaluations, practitioners will make the decisions for them. (JOW)