Some observations on current educational policy analysis are made by Stephen K. Bailey. Discussion is centered on the federal bureaucracy; the need for communication between the educational community and the government; and current trends in federal policy decisions. (MH)

Discusses higher education quality and its evaluation in Europe from historical and political perspectives, tracing the concept of quality control from medieval university models to the modern research university. Examines recent changes in the political context of European education and analyzes their consequences in three national contexts:…

The eight chapters of this theme issue evaluate a large-scale intervention, the New York City Public Schools Integrated Learning Systems Project. The overall evaluation contains ethnographic studies of project schools, statistical investigations of outcomes in terms of student achievement and attitude, comparisons of system costs to other systems,…

Analyzes inspection results for 22 English and Welsh secondary schools to explore the nature of, and responses to, OFSTED (Offices for Standards in Education) inspectors' recommendations about using internal monitoring and evaluation to improve classroom practice. In their action plans, some schools respond with bureaucratic procedures, while…

As part of an evaluation of a school-based mediation program, 35 student mediators and 35 control students in grades 5-7 from six schools were surveyed concerning conduct at school, school climate, attitudes toward fights, self-esteem, and problems-solving skills. Results indicate the program had positive effects on student mediators, particularly…

Describes preliminary findings of an action research project undertaken by teachers in Setubal, Portugal, who are exploring ways to introduce English as a first foreign language into the Portuguese primary school curriculum. (three references) (CK)

Reports on applications of anthropological theory and method in assessing, evaluating, and informing a federally funded local school system change initiative in 70 Atlanta (Georgia) public schools. Analysis of these college-school collaborations yields criteria for culturally determined and participatory systemic reform. (Author/SLD)

Presents the results of an evaluation of a family support program for female, long-term recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Findings show that program participants perceived that training had given them greater self-efficacy and competence, but not increased self-confidence, when compared to control group members. (RJM)

Describes and evaluates the progress of the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, School District's efforts to meet the needs of its students requiring some level of English-as-a-Second-Language instruction. Findings reveal that the program has an excellent track record for achieving its goal of English fluency and knowledge and skills at an appropriate level…

That theoretical debates and developments in organizational analysis can be a source of inspiration for evaluation utilization research is explored through consideration of the societal function of evaluation and its historical development. A discussion of policy evaluation in Danish political administration illustrates evaluation theory and…

Discusses how educating children to use maps for navigation may enhance wayfinding skills as well as general representation and spatial skills. Documents need for innovative educational curricula to meet challenges of teaching map navigation. Describes development and evaluation of "Where Are We?" curriculum to simulate real-world…

A meta-analysis of school-based substance abuse prevention studies revealed that the mean proportion of subjects retained dropped from 81.4 percent at the three-month followup to 67.5 percent at the three-year followup. Researchers should interpret their results in light of these normative data and adopt second-effort strategies to reduce…

Explored application of mediation approach to resolution of intrafamily disputes between parents and adolescents as a means of preventing child maltreatment. About 90 percent of 50 participating families were able to reach a mediation agreement, and 80 percent of these agreements were adhered to after 2 months. Results indicated considerable…

Describes evaluation checklists developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) for use by school library resource centers. Separate checklists are described for teacher-librarians, school administrators, district and regional library directors, teachers,…

The intent of an integrating laboratory was to help pharmacy students learn to solve problems, make decisions, and develop good communication skills. Educational units included exercises in guided design, patient profile review, patient inquiries, extemporaneous prescription compounding, clinical literature evaluation, and videotapes of simulated…