A model for evaluation of liberal arts programs is proposed, based on a study of liberal arts in 14 diverse institutions. It takes a developmental perspective, emphasizing process as well as product, description as well as analysis, clarification of terms before measurement, and collaboration of evaluators and participants. (MSE)

An eight-stage model was developed for implementing a five-month program of sustained silent reading. Data from 65 intermediate grade classrooms (using individual students as analysis units) revealed no significant differences on standardized and informal measures and no significant interactive effects. The teachers' summative evaluation found the…

Evaluates the programs and services of a large student union at University of Maryland, in relation to campus subgroups including employees, graduate students, and minority groups. Results indicate the union may serve as a model of differential programming. Suggests different groups use the union differently but are generally satisfied. (JAC)

Teachers in this high school "shadowed" selected students to see the school through students' eyes. The teachers noted both strengths and weaknesses. The latter included class interruptions, low expectations of low achievers, and inadequate learning time. (JM)

The authors examine the potential and the limitations of alternative schools for disruptive students by discussing positive features, such as small student-teacher ratio and enhancement of self-concept, and negative aspects, such as the tendency toward racial isolation and possible use as a tool for social control. (SK)

Faculty development programs are designed to improve faculty performance in all aspects of their professional lives. Six areas of concern are presented: flexibility of approach; individual v corporate activity; new understanding of scholarship; personnel management; understanding student development; and administrative leadership and support. (JMF)

Interviews with second-year elementary teachers and their principals pointed out three areas of serious need in preservice education: (1) knowledge of normal child behavior, (2) more realistic expectations of teaching, and (3) ability to transfer to the classroom teaching methods skills, especially time and materials management. (SJL)

This discussion of collaboration between general and special educators focuses on selection of instructional interventions in mainstream settings and curriculum-based methods of evaluating programs designed to increase the academic performance of students with and without disabilities. It then suggests ways to incorporate data-based decision…

Analyzes first-year retention rates for the 16 colleges of the South Carolina Technical College System, focusing on first-time freshmen enrolling full-time during the fall 1990 and 1991 semesters. Reveals that regional employment and the ratio of instructional and support expenditures per student to regional income per job are the most predictive…

Reprints 11 standards for assessing quality in service learning projects from the Alliance for Service-Learning in Education Reform. Each standard provides a rationale and relevant examples. Standards include youth being involved in the planning, program requiring preparation and reflection, and project making a meaningful contribution to the…

Discussion of the agenda for research and practice in graduate and professional education identifies and discusses five arenas for assessment; demand; admission criteria; program quality; persistence; and student learning outcomes. Specific questions to be addressed and additional considerations are noted for each arena. (MSE)

Action research examined student and faculty responses to delivery-system changes in a university early childhood philosophy course and an assessment method. Results showed that, although students experienced performance pressure and personal discomfort, they appreciated individual attention, the trust evidenced by curriculum unit checks, and the…

An Australian project aimed to strengthen relationships of general practitioners (GPs) with rural adolescents and school personnel through GP school visits, educational seminars on health topics for students, and student visits to GP clinics. Surveys of 5 project personnel, 6 GPs, 3 school counselors, and 30 secondary school students found…

Cooperative training programs were evaluated through content analysis of 74 role-played interviews of video-recorded investigations that focused on culturally relevant questioning skills. Results identified 119 questions and statements rated by professionals as helpful in interviewing children suspected of having been sexually abused. All…

The Scottish "New Community Schools" program encourages health, education, and social service agency collaboration to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. A first-year evaluation indicates that additional funding has enabled new multi-agency initiatives, particularly in health promotion; development of students' personal learning…