The need for and applicability of general systems theory in human services evaluation is discussed. The role of evaluation in human services agencies is described and the necessity of combining the programs to be evaluated and the evaluation process itself in a single unifying conceptual model is demonstrated. (Author/AL)

Increasingly, machine learning is entertained as a mechanism for improving the efficiency of planning systems. Research in this area has generated an impressive battery of techniques and a growing body of empirical successes. Unfortunately the formal properties of these systems are not well understood. This is highlighted by a growing corpus of…

A continuation of a two-part article about performance appraisal programs, this part examines program design and implementation. Topics covered include a systems approach, designing forms and establishing procedure, and maintaining the program. (TA)

The paper provides the basic concepts and structure of an evaluative-management information system that meets the needs of vocational rehabilitation program and project managers and allows inter- and intra-program and project comparisons. Cost-benefit analysis has not (1) provided managers with relevant information upon which to base their…

A study of the "efficiency and efficacy" of evaluation practices of the Illinois Division of Vocational and Technical Education as conducted by Educational Testing Service is reported on. The study was directed toward understanding how evaluation practices of the Division, with largest emphasis upon the performance of the Three Phase System used…

A method is proposed for developing a universitywide faculty evaluation system while retaining the integrity of evaluations of each individual's performance. Suggestions parallel efforts to alter faculty evaluation at Northwest Missouri State University (Maryville). (SLD)

This report describes the joint efforts of the Evaluation of Teaching program of the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education and the Office of Research and Evaluation of the Austin Independent School District to develop a competency based teacher evaluation system. The task assigned was to produce a system that reduced the vagueness…

The analysis is intended to provide California educators with a number of specific, step-by-step suggestions for devising the teacher appraisal systems required by new legislation in the Stull Bill. An overview of essential ingredients of the new requirements is given in the first part of this document in order to familiarize teachers with…

This article presents a framework for developing internally sustainable evaluation systems for environmental education organizations, although the framework can be applied to other types of organizations. The authors developed a sustainable evaluation framework (SEF) with the intent of creating an evaluation system that could be self-administered…

The leadership role of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) in developing a System of Expert Panels to identify and share promising and exemplary products, programs. and practices is discussed. The System of Expert Panels should enable the Federal government to help the public learn about replicable research and development…

This booklet was prepared to assist planning and service agencies and personnel with evaluation and advocacy of programs and services for the developmentally disabled. Part 1 of the booklet deals with evaluation, part 2 with advocacy; discussed in both sections are such issues as the legislative mandate, the use of computerized systems, systems…

A mathematical modeling technique has been developed to provide those having administrative responsibilities for establishing scientific and technical information systems with a flexible and powerful tool for making management decisions. A large number of factors (user communities, document forms, subject disciplines, etc.) are involved in…

Outlines the benefits of human performance assessment and examines the reasons why testing hasn't become a general practice in organizations. Describes five steps in creating a test/assessment instrument: analysis; construction; reliability; validity; and setting standards. (AEF)