The Illinois Performance Management Information System is an application of existing data that provides definition of performance measures, a continuous improvement model, and individual measurement. It offers information that can be used for setting standards, targeting resources, looking at performance across time and comparing programs. (JOW)

Shares observations about factors critical in the outcomes of the review of Ohio's state-supported doctoral programs in English. Details some of the responsibilities and challenges that both the departments and review panel faced in developing extensive self-studies. Argues that departments should address mismatches or anomalies in their programs.…

A discrepancy model defines what successful continuing medical education is and what it should be. Then data are collected and analyzed to describe the nature and scope of the discrepancy. This approach to educational needs assessment uses an outcomes focus to plan more effective continuing-education programs. (SK)

The influence of program-related constructs on perceived quality of treatment programs was assessed using a latent variable modeling approach and the responses of key personnel from 294 drug treatment facilities in Los Angeles County (California). A clear philosophy and emphasis and greater frequency of services significantly predicted greater…

Presents definitions and purposes of delegation, accountability, and empowerment as parts of a system aimed at high performance. It explores how advanced program evaluation methods can make delegation and accountability more effective and empowerment less risky. (SLD)

Stakeholder analysis provides insights useful in the educational process for tourism and hospitality education. Stakeholders can influence (1) strategic direction through curriculum planning and (2) measurement of performance through quality management. (SK)

The articles in this issue, written from the perspectives of academics, practitioners, and publishers, show that examining the consequences of assessment is an important, large, and difficult task. Collaborative action by assessment developers, users, and the educational measurement community is needed if progress is to be made. (SLD)

Two North Carolina projects used methods from the National Network for Family Resiliency's Parenting Evaluation Decision Framework. Parenting for Success for Hispanic Parents used focus group interviews and summative evaluation. Individualized education for Head Start parents used pre/posttests of parental self-esteem and child development…

Money 2000, an extension program to teach saving money, included a longitudinal behavioral monitoring component over an extended period of time, computerized financial analysis, and individual financial counseling. The personal finance programs and evaluation procedures enabled staff to document almost $2 million of economic impact on the lives of…

Attempts to determine whether journalism and mass communication programs have become less involved in scholastic journalism in recent years. Finds that media-related units with graduate programs are more sensitive to the needs of teachers. Supports the hypothesis that education for scholastic journalism could be at risk, at least in regard to…

Surveyed deans of 80 U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy on programmatic assessment. Forty-nine percent reported having assessment committees, 71 percent have approved a list of general education abilities, and deans were most frequently reported as driving development of assessment. The North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) was…

This article reviews issues in questionnaire design beyond the creation of standardized questions and basic data collection rules. The use of magnitude scales, the application of decision theory, and the use of a questionnaire framework that replicates how choices are made by respondents are among the new design approaches discussed. (SLD)

It is argued that the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, developed by the Phoenix (Arizona) police department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, consisted of pedagogical elements with strong conceptual and operational ties to social learning and self-control theories, and two mainstream criminological theories. (SLD)

Measurement planning should be done simultaneously with training design. Clarifying business goals and identifying "stairstep" connections between goals and training suggest what needs to be measured and how. (JOW)

Presents arguments for conducting program evaluation as a reflection of concern for students. Seeks to "demystify" evaluation, noting that evaluation need not be done only by experts. Discusses types of evaluation and presents principles in planning and guiding evaluations. (JPS)