The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a pilot study that promoted productive and capacity-building activities among deprived rural women of Mexico. The evaluation design is observational; 1,278 women are interviewed, and the comparison group is estimated by propensity score matching. The results show a positive impact on the…

Researchers' social-cultural organization influences the scope, quality, quantity, coherence, dissemination, utilization and impact of research-based, theoretically sound knowledge. Five concepts--paradigm, exemplar, segment, network and gatekeeper--are salient to research on researchers' organization. Autobiographical reflections signal these…

Two challenges often associated with teaching program evaluation at the graduate level are the need to incorporate practical skills development and being limited to a one-semester-long course offering. The existing literature provides some information concerning a practical application component; however, there is almost no discussion of pedagogy…

The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) is an ongoing, national, longitudinal study of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of Head Start children; the characteristics, well-being, and accomplishments of families; the observed quality of Head Start classrooms; and the characteristics and opinions of Head…

Vocational and technical training programs for less developed countries offer little in the way of training the intermediate cadres, technicians, and village level workers necessary for modernizing the primary sector on which developing economies depend. Training is vital because it secures cost reduction and maximum use of organization, enables…

This chapter considers ways in which college or university instructional development centers can enhance their effectiveness in order to insure their "survival" in the face of budgetary restraints and administrative scrutiny. It is suggested that in order to do so, a center must become an integral part of the institution, must be productive, and…

This inventory was designed for the use of school superintendents, office administrators, principals, and teachers who are involved with district-wide curricular and instructional improvement in their school systems. It provides opportunity for individual observations, discussion of differences in those observations, and consideration of how…

This work has been done as part of the effort to plan the National Institute of Education (NIE). The report, one of a series, describes the alternatives that must be considered in deciding the organization and management of a new Federal agency to conduct and support research and development. The alternatives examined are also germane to the…

Developed a noncredit course for entering master's level counseling students: "Seminar on Personal/Professional Growth, Development and Integration." Shared specific information, then participants cooperatively developed a general format for the support group. Pre-post questionnaires indicated that the students were accepting of the…

Outlines the essential elements of a staff development program, including institutional commitment and the identification of individual and group training needs. Offers a matrix for categorizing the pedagogical, technical, remedial, and personal growth needs of academic, nonacademic, and administrative personnel. Identifies program types and…

The nature of visual giftedness is often misunderstood. Although skillful, accurate rendering and effective use of art media are commonly observed characteristics, talent also can draw upon intellect, creativity, and personal attitudes and traits which, if neglected, can keep a child from realizing artistic potential. This guide provides basic…

Describes the four phases of the Comprehensive Career Education Model and its curriculum, guidance, and evaluation tasks. (SB)

Five European institutions devoted to principal training developed the Comenius project "Extra Muros" between 1996-99. Its objectives were understanding the importance of educative action outside the school in order to provide equal opportunity to all students, as well as to promote the awareness of Europe among schools. The project…

Describes the long-range efforts to develop a comprehensive, multitiered multicultural education program in the Columbus (Ohio) Public School District. The article includes discussions on the philosophical framework underlying the program, staff development, curriculum changes, program planning and evaluation, course descriptions, and program…

Presents a framework to guide evaluation activities for school and community programs that attempt to improve career development outcomes for students K-16. Discusses three essential components to this framework: a comprehensive career development model for students; a framework to identify post-high school outcomes; and a program evaluation…