This article describes the communication development program of a cooperative association of 55 Illinois school districts, which provides special education services for children and adolescents with low incidence disabilities including severe communication disorders. It examines the program's philosophy, principles, and practices; its authentic…

Two evaluation projects conducted for the Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service are examined from a user-focused perspective: (1) a needs assessment of large scale commercial farmers for program development by the Office of Special Programs; and (2) a review of the extension programs in Nicollet County. Each incorporated the focus group method…

A look at various methods of evaluating vocational education and training in Europe shows traditional practices (correlated with results and objectives) using new interactive approaches. Because of the great variety of situations, levels of awareness, diversity of tools, and multiplicity of participants, the improvement of evaluation practices…

How the "Levels of Program Objectives Model" (LPOM) can be used to carry out objectives-based evaluation is explained. The LPOM explains the relationship between an instructional program of a district and various programs supporting the district program. The evolution of an objective-based evaluation approach within the context of an…

The report describes the Appalachian College Assessment Project, which developed a consortium to assess cooperatively the outcomes of the general education programs of a group of private liberal arts colleges in central Appalachia. Evaluation methods included a freshman/senior essay, the Academic Profile, the Pace College Student Experiences…