Describes the activities of the Center on Rehabilitation Effectiveness at Boston University and explains how the Center will meet challenges that include the demand for pediatric rehabilitation assessments that are conceptually grounded in rehabilitation theory and that are short but sensitive enough to detect meaningful disability restrictions…

Illustrates the use of latent growth modeling (LGM) as an analytical tool in program evaluation using the hypothetical example of a high school drug prevention program. Demonstrates the use of LGM in assessing longitudinal impact and in incorporating predictors of status and growth into a model. Highlights advantages and limitations of LGM. (SLD)

Presents a critical appraisal model that is proactive, research based, and learner oriented. Discusses process, content, political, and contextual issues. Uses a case study of a continuing education master's program to illustrate the model in practice. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

Provides an overview of practical methods and tools for assessment planning and implementation for service learning and civic engagement projects conducted by colleges and universities. Offers suggestions to help readers design their own program assessment plans. (SLD)

Explores the negative reputation of evaluation outside the evaluation profession, considering evaluator credibility, evaluation costs, undesirable consequences of evaluation, and the frequent doubts about evaluation in the academic community. To improve both reputation and practice, evaluation must become known as a helping profession. Evaluators…

Describes a "world" of evaluation in 2010 in which evaluation recognizes and celebrates national and regional differences and contributions. In 2010, the whole world should be doing evaluations, and the evaluations should be of situations that cannot be described by dichotomous (full or empty) answers. Through better information and an increased…

An analysis of publication types and the use of citations in studies of library and information science (LIS) program quality suggests that publication types should be differentiated, that book publication is important, and that the role of humanities-oriented faculty may be lost without attention to book production. Presents a formula for LIS…

Provides a synthesis of the literature pertaining to the principles and practices of performance measurement, auditing, evaluation, and reporting. Discusses how bringing these elements together in a performance management system can be achieved through refinement of strategic direction, reporting on key measures, and periodic, systematic…

Proposes a framework for characterizing evaluation approaches that consists of the following aspects: context, purpose and social role, phenomena of interest, procedural rules, methods of justification, and sanctions. Illustrates the framework through its application to the debate over the theory and practice of empowerment evaluation. (SLD)

This interview focuses on usability testing, one method for evaluating whether library Web sites are useful for users. Discussion includes: benefits and drawbacks of usability testing; why it is important; lessons learned from testing; advice for someone interested in doing a study; and recommendations. (AEF)

Shows how one can combine a large-scale planned variation experimental design and multilevel analysis to address research questions that go beyond the issue of overall treatment effectiveness. Uses data from a simulated field experiment to describe the multilevel models that can be used. (SLD)

Describes the use of the program logic model as an integrative framework in the multimethod evaluation of a middle school curriculum delivery program. Shows how the logic model was used to focus data collection, organize data, and interpret the data in an integrative framework. Focuses on the area of computer skills to illustrate the usefulness of…

The purpose of this article is to discuss the problem of illusion in research, especially in program evaluation. Currently, there are multiple research traditions in program evaluation. Nevertheless, all research orientations are concerned with the role of researchers, for example, how they interpret their data and what evidence they offer for…

A meta-program theory is proposed to overcome the limitations and improve the use of program theory as an approach to faith-based program evaluation. The essentials for understanding religious organizations, their various programs, and faith and spirituality are discussed to support a rationale for developing a faith-based program theory that…

Listservs have become a popular computer-mediated method for communicating with others who share a common interest. They offer subscribers quick feedback and provide a forum for ideas and beliefs to be exchanged, discussed, and modified. Although rarely studied, in some practical fields listserves have been shown to increase communication of best…