Reviews available published rural program evaluation efforts, documents reasons rural community mental health centers have offered for not implementing systematic program evaluation activities, and offers constructive suggestions for overcoming barriers to evaluation. Introduces standard program evaluation strategies. Discusses techniques and aids…

This article presents ways to maximize the benefit of outside supervisory training programs. Five steps are discussed: selecting the best programs, selecting the participants who will benefit the most, holding conferences with participants before and after the program, and keeping clear, up-to-date records. A sample training evaluation form is…

The rationale for process measurement in programs for behavior disordered students is presented, followed by a description of a matrix to conceptualize process evaluation methodologies. Examples are presented for each matrix cell to illustrate types of data that can be used to evaluate the teaching process. (CL)

Two evaluation design issues in gifted education are examined as they relate to outcome evaluations: selection of comparison groups and manipulation and control of variables. Alternative approaches are suggested for each aspect. (CL)

Provides a framework for considering cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis of college counseling centers and retention activities. Results indicated that careful evaluation techniques can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of student retention programs. (Author/BL)

Presents the basic considerations and major procedures employed in building a vocational special needs evaluation system in Vermont. (JOW)

Analyzed data from 14 simulated families with both a repeated measures and an ordinary analysis of variance design in order to illustrate the differences between the two approaches. Highlights the advantages of repeated measures designs for the analysis of family data in the program evaluation of family therapy. (Author/BH)

This article suggests an alternative valuation approach and method based on "phenomenology" or "personal constructs" in the evaluation of management training. The approach is that learning and its application depend, not on the direct influence of externally located objects, but on how the learner experiences and evaluates…

It is argued that outcome evaluation should include efforts to identify and measure unintended outcomes. A systems perspective is presented which treats governmental actions as disequilibrating intrusions into reacting systems. Both intended and unintended outcomes of such intrusions can be valued monetarily, in terms of human rights, or both.…

Three evaluation methodologies used in studies of volunteer utilization are reviewed: model-program comparison, benefit-cost analysis; and qualitative program review. The importance of utilizing a comprehensive evaluation incorporating all three methodologies is discussed using an ongoing community mental health center volunteer program as an…

Guidelines for use in formative evaluation of gifted and talented programs focus on objectives, obstacles (such as using standardized tests to evaluate gifted programs), and models. Steps are listed for initiating, carrying out, and completing formative evaluation. (CL)

This paper presents a case for the use of causal models derived from a substantive knowledge base of theory and research in the evaluation of educational programs. An evaluation of the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM) illustrates the causal-modeling approach to program evaluation. (BW)

This booklet contains questions and answers about random assignment in program evaluation and intervention research. The main purpose of program evaluation research in education is to determine whether programs help the students they are designed to serve and whether new ideas for education programs still under development are worthy of extension…

This paper introduces some recent changes by the current administration that are increasing the visibility of program evaluation in Washington and then describes some concerns raised by this new attention. The paper also suggests ways that evaluators can assist federal decision makers in using evaluation results wisely. Over the past decade,…

This monograph is intended as a guide to support self-evaluation of truancy reduction and prevention programs by those involved in their ongoing operations. It is one of four in a series addressing various aspects of truancy, was published by the National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University with support from the South Carolina…