The research described in this article was undertaken to discover the extent to which the SHAred Process Evaluation System (SHAPES) model of the community development process can be said to describe what actually happens in a community development project. The model and its development and instrumentation are described. (Author)

The model set forth in this article makes it possible to describe and judge an educational program (specifically, nursing) on the basis of data obtained through a specified inquiry process. It provides a systematic method for organizing various types of data and allows the examination of relationships among those data. (CT)

A full understanding of how a training program works requires field observations that examine the deep structure as well as the surface behavior of those in the program. Such comprehensive understanding is not available from questionnaires and interviews. (Author/IRT)

"Black box" evaluation considers program input and outcomes (what) without considering process (how and why). A broader approach to evaluation based on implementation process theory explores the social system context of programs and provides information useful for improving them. (SK)

This report to Congress provides critical information about the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program (CMHI), including the characteristics of children, youth, and families as they enter the CMHI; the outcomes attained for children and youth, and their caregivers and families after entry into the…

Remediation is the most common approach to preparing students academically and socially during their early stages of college. However, despite its profound importance and its significant costs, there is very little rigorous research analyzing its effectiveness. The goal of this article is to provide a conceptual framework for the evaluation of…

Content analysis of critical events methodology is demonstrated in an evaluation of the Educational Telecommunications for Alaska (ETA) Project. This methodology was used to collect and interpret the data derived from the ETA staff personnel representing five components of the project. The data were analyzed using content analysis procedures. The…

Intended for practitioners in early childhood special education, the document offers guidelines for conducting a program evaluation. Information is organized around seven questions: what is the purpose of the evaluation? what information is needed, and from what sources can it be obtained? when and under what conditions will information be…

The objective of this research is to provide an outline of evaluation by objectives for a conference entitled Project Evaluation. As far as processes are concerned, this evaluation will result in a session-by-session evaluation form and transparencies to accompany the session-by-session evaluation form and to reinforce the main points under…

A re-analysis of evaluation data concerning the Emergency School Aid Act shows that findings of the original evaluators are open to multiple interpretations. (JKS)

Commentary is presented on the evaluation of the Emergency School Aid Act and a review of that evaluation (TM 503 672). The commentary focuses on philosophical issues and the uses of several levels of observation in data analysis. (JKS)

The automatic interaction detector was applied as an evaluation tool to data normally collected by vocational-rehabilitation agencies. Demographic, service, and local agency variables were analyzed with mean weekly income at time of closure as the dependent variable. Recommendations for further research were made. (Author)

Four aspects of the relationship between auditing and evaluation in their approaches to program assessment are examined: (1) their different origins; (2) the definitions and purposes of both, and the questions they seek to answer; (3) contrasting viewpoints and emphases of auditors and evaluators; and (4) commonalities of interest and potential…

This new edition offers an evaluation text that ranges from identifying the primary users of an evaluation to focusing the evaluation, making methods decisions, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Both practical and theoretical, the book tells how to conduct program evaluations and why they should be conducted in the manner prescribed. Each…

The costs of evaluation are affected by program characteristics and the extent to which it is important to be confident about proof and causality. They are also affected by decisions about issues, resources, evidence, data gathering, data analysis, and reporting. (CT)