Using selected concepts, format, and techniques from the legal arena, the Judicial Evaluation Model was used to assess the efficacy of linkage arrangements between the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act prime sponsors and education service providers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (PN)

Presents an evaluative study of adult criminal diversion programs. The results of the study indicate that the diversion programs result in a decline in both the number and proportion of cases fully prosecuted. (IM)

Evaluated the short-term and longer-term effectiveness of marriage encounter in increasing self-reported indices of couple self-disclosure, trust, and marital satisfaction. Couples (N=33) were assessed before and after the Marriage Encounter Training Program and in a follow-up. Results indicated a significant increase in trust and marital…

Focusing on issues related to the training of industrial workers in Brazil, this article reports the findings of a study which evaluated the effectiveness of vocational training offered by the National Industrial Apprenticeship Service. (LRA)

Outlines a three-step process to justify the existence of the guidance program, including writing a job description, logging daily duties, and evaluating the program. (Author/WD)

Highlights from a recent conference of the American Society for Training and Development indicate current efforts by employers to assess the impact of their educational programs on the performance of managers. (CT)

An evaluation of 14 independent experiments in early intervention, conducted in the late 1950s and early 1960s, revealed program characteristics related to positive outcome: the early age at intervention; the higher adult-child ratio; and more home visits, direct participation of parents, and services for families. (Author/MLF)

Intervention programs claiming to benefit young handicapped children are increasingly being required to provide evidence of their effectiveness. An intervention efficiency index (IEI) is proposed as a method of measuring child progress and program impact by relating changes in children's developmental capabilities to time spent in a program.…

Subjects (N=20) participated in a smoking-reduction program that attempted to assess the initial effectiveness of a rapid-smoking procedure administered to groups. Results are discussed in terms of self-set and the attribution of behavior change. (Author)

Compares fine arts and the art of training design. Suggests ways to design programs creatively to transform people's performance: (1) break the rhythm; (2) combine apples and oranges; (3) get out of order; (4) toy with success; and (5) put on a good show. (JOW)

A 3-year, multimethod evaluation of an innovative arts program that facilitates teaching and interaction between artists and institutionalized juvenile offenders found that youth attending workshops (n=184) displayed significantly less disruptive behavior. Results also suggested that involvement with the arts reduced recidivism for participants.…

Assessed the freshman orientation program at Stephen F. Austin State University in terms of academic success of participants. Data were obtained for freshman classes from 1986 to 1994, and results of data analyses indicated a significantly higher grade point average for those who attended orientation. (SLD)

Evaluated a freshman orientation program at a southeastern research university through questionnaires completed by 1,048 (80%) of the entering freshman class. Responses suggest that students themselves are not sure what orientation programs do or are supposed to do, although they were generally satisfied with the program. (SLD)

Studied the messages being conveyed to prospective students in campus visits and summer orientation sessions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Findings for 497 prospective students show that the visit and orientation program may be effective, but programs are trying to communicate too much. Findings also show the importance of the campus…

Strengthened the theory of change approach to evaluating a complex social initiative by integrating it with a quasi-experimental comparison group design. Used the approach in an evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative. Initial findings support the usefulness of the initiative. (SLD)