Conducted an experimental evaluation of Teen Outreach, a national volunteer service program. Found that rates of pregnancy, school failure, and academic suspension, at exit nine months later, were substantially lower in the Teen Outreach group, even after accounting for group differences at entry. Results suggest potential value of interventions…

Analyzed 320 case records, interviewed offenders and staff, and made general observations to evaluate a nonresidential, anti-incarceration facility. Results indicate that successful graduates have the least serious criminal records, most have positive attitudes toward the facility, and participants receive much individual attention. Other findings…

Reviews the current state of knowledge about various (adult-volunteer) tutoring programs' effects on student achievement. Except for the Howard Street Tutoring Program and the School Volunteer Development Project (two very small programs), the programs reviewed present no unbiased evidence of effectiveness. Comparison groups are needed to…

Examines the impact of a violence prevention program among African American students in two inner-city schools in Chicago. Students in 5th through 8th grade participated in Second Step: A Violence Prevention Program, and completed surveys at pretest and posttest. Findings reveal significant increases in self-reported knowledge and skills,…

Presents a three-dimensional model for conceptualizing existing prevention programs, defining and measuring effects of prevention programs, and making a connection between those programmatic effects, and the interests of the funder. This paper describes the methodology and its use for promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of substance abuse…

In England and Wales, Teacher Training Agency-funded professional development for teachers must be evaluated for its impact on students. It is the responsibility of higher education institutions to provide evidence of impact. A case study illustrates the possibilities and difficulties of providing such evidence. This article concludes that,…

Discusses ethics training in terms of expected outcomes, contribution to the organization, value, effectiveness, and evaluation methods. Addresses what is known about ethics training, the renewed emphasis on ethics, and what works. (JOW)

Results from a study of 284 young men receiving vocational rehabilitation in North Carolina programs for 18 to 22 year olds are provided. Findings suggest that carefully integrated and implemented vocational training and reentry programs for youthful property offenders can reduce the rate at which such individuals are arrested after release. (SLD)

A review of evaluations of fellowship programs for foreign nationals to study abroad looks at problem areas and draws attention to methodological issues. (Author/MSE)

This review of child homicide research identifies three methodological issues: (1) the classification of child deaths as homicides is unreliable; (2) child homicides may not represent the endpoint of a continuum of violence from inadequate parenting to death; and (3) child homicides are not frequent enough to measure the impact of child welfare…

A self-study of the English-as-a-Second-Language program at the English Language Institute at the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young University is reported. Lessons learned related to customizing guidelines, administrative support; feedback loops, creating implementation plans, including outsiders, etc. (23 references) (LB)

Twenty-four schools, 1,350 high school students, and 251 postsecondary students were involved in the formative evaluation used by Rhode Island to assess their tech-prep programs. The evaluation provides tangible documentation that tech prep has a positive impact on participating students. (Author/JOW)

An evaluation of a successful summer camp for youth with developmental disabilities (Camp Horizons) identifies practices that should work well in other youth programs. The natural, personalized setting favors worthwhile relationships with satisfying human bonds. The ecological evaluation approach is also explored. (SLD)

Colorado College is reconsidering its block scheduling, in which students take eight immersion courses consecutively within the academic year, rather than taking several courses concurrently. Advantages of block scheduling include more intensive instruction and increased student focus on subject matter. Some students and faculty are concerned that…

Presents two interrelated stories: one concerning the author's struggles to become an effective teacher of psychology, and the second about the University of New Hampshire's graduate program in psychology and its emphasis on research and teaching. The program's two-semester Seminar and Practicum in the Teaching of Psychology is detailed, and data…