Presents a conceptual model of discrepancy analysis evaluation for planning, evaluating, and assessing the impact of continuing medical education (CME). Describes the model in terms of its value as a means of diagnosing errors in the development and implementation of CME. (JOW)

Stakeholder-based studies modify the relationship between evaluator and user, producing conflict that can cause evaluators to regress to familiar, traditional patterns that leave interactive evaluation strategies only partially implemented. (Author/PN)

Describes the implementation and evaluation of a program rewarding good teaching in the Catalina Foothills School District in Tucson (Arizona). Based on motivation-hygiene theory, which claims that money is not a motivator, the program funds teacher attendance at conferences and purchases of instructional equipment rather than teacher pay…

Describes activities developed in promoting a statewide continuing education system. They included television and radio advertisements, a user's manual, and a logo. Program evaluation and implementation are also discussed. (CT)

The formative/summative evaluation dichotomy suggested by M. Scriven is challenged, and a conceptual typology is presented that crosses improvement and assessment evaluation functions with process and outcome program stages for four basic types of evaluation. This framework accommodates mixed types of evaluations. (SLD)

A review of qualitative methods used in a predominantly quantitative evaluation indicates a variety of roles for such a mixing of methods, including framing and revising research questions, assessing the validity of measures and adaptations to program implementation, and gauging the degree of uncertainty and generalizability of conclusions.…

PROJECT BLUE was funded during the first phase of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative and proposed to provide students in its District with a range of services to improve school safety, decrease school violence, decrease alcohol and drug use, and improve student mental health. Selected results are highlighted and lessons learned from the…

Arguing that "needs assessment" is too vaguely defined, this paper considers the term's location within the planning field, compares two variants of the discrepancy model (classical versus social welfare approaches), and reflects on the assumptions and implications imbedded in needs assessment technocracy. Includes 16 notes and 26 references. (MLH)

The author discusses the establishment and objectives of private industry councils (PICs). Such topics as local decision making, private sector representation, on-site evaluations, and summer jobs programs are covered. Emphasis is on the Atlanta, Georgia PIC. (CH)

Describes a multiyear formative evaluation of six Florida schools involved in the Shared Decision Making and Restructuring Project, highlighting one school's successful efforts. Ethnographic and interview data were used to examine work histories, verify achievements, and identify stumbling blocks. The successful school had a well-defined core…

Recent Australian higher education reforms envisioned creation of a unified national system (with a smaller number of larger institutions) through institutional mergers. This article discusses the merger of two Melbourne institutions, La Trobe University and Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, focusing on key issues that delayed the merger for…

Describes Personal Reflections, program for remarriage education based on premise that those considering remarriage should examine certain issues, especially making explicit each partner's expectations for how family roles should be played. Presents brief synopsis of theoretical orientation and discusses program implementation and evaluation.…

The primary approaches of programs to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse are discussed, along with general problems of these programs. Key weaknesses of program evaluations are discussed, and suggestions and recommendations are made for special educators to implement prevention programs with their students with disabilities. (JDD)

Evaluates Cornell University's Linking Up mentoring program for needy youngsters. Although the program achieved limited success, some valuable lessons emerged, including the necessity of finding a sufficient supply of suitable mentors, concentrating on youths in need, setting clear mentoring goals, focusing on competence-building activities,…

A chronic problem in quick visits to "innovative" schools is discerning whether something is happening. This article presents some guiding principles for recognizing the meanings, organizational structures, and effects of change. Accompanying School Restructuring Profile offers busy practitioners conceptual outline or set of "must sees" for…