Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a mathematical model for measuring decision-making units' efficiency, was applied to resource allocation information in the division of occupational and technical programs at San Antonio (Texas) College. Input-output data were used to analyze existing programs' efficiency and proposed program modifications. (RW)

Describes the evaluation of a training program designed to teach family therapy skills to 24 social workers of a family service agency. Notes that while its impact somewhat surpassed initial expectations, a need for reliable instruments capable of measuring change in trainees' perceptual and executive skills remains. (Author/WAS)

A study was designed to evaluate the instructional effectiveness of the "Lowell Thomas Remembers" tapes, which are excerpts from Movietone News films chronicling major news events from 1919-1975. The study determined that use of the tapes would not significantly increase achievement over more traditional methods, at least for…

The desirability of combining tests of theory with evaluations of treatment modalities is argued in an investigation of the effectiveness of a juvenile diversion program. Using a true experimental design (with randomization), recidivism analyses dependent on court record data failed to demonstrate the relative superiority of any of three treatment…

Residential and public school staff (N=137) involved in a one-session training program showed significantly improved knowledge levels about feeding approaches for severely physically handicapped persons compared to an untrained group. No significant changes were found in attitude, feeding-related behaviors, or mealtime quality. (CL)

Introduces a practical approach toward the quality control of workshops given in the field of drug abuse prevention and in community mental health settings. Describes the workshop evaluation questionnaire which probes: (1) respondents' overall reaction to the workshop; (2) workshop effectiveness; and (3) application of techniques to participants…

Intrinsic motivation is discussed as the main concern of evaluation of leisure and recreational programs. Two factors influencing leisure behavior are perceived freedom and perceived competence. Two types of intrinsic rewards are possible from leisure participation: rewards and those obtained from a change in environment. Evaluation should then…

The consumer of a service is of primary importance when defining groups most concerned with program impact. Program effectiveness for the consumer may be increased through the use of certain guiding principles based on the extension of existing quality assurance and program evaluation methodologies. (Author/RL)

Experiments (N=2) examined the effectiveness of a responsively planned death education unit for ninth-grade girls. Results of both experiments showed positive gains on cognitive and attitude scores for the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no improvement. (Author)

Summarizes an evaluation of an early French immersion program at grades 6 and 8. In English language skills, immersion students performed as well as, or better than, English-only program groups; in mathematics and sciences, immersion students did as well as their comparison group. Other findings are discussed. (PJM)

Present federal methods of monitoring the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) only verify compliance with the law. They do not evaluate the law's effectiveness in improving disabled children's functional abilities. A number of educational parameters and outcomes can be used to measure PL 94-142's efficacy. (RW)

An approach for empirically determining the effectiveness of workshops in continuing social work education is described. In testing, the approach yielded unambiguous results on workshop participants' conceptual knowledge, ability to recall and recognize practice skills, and satisfaction with instructional quality and relevance. (MSE)

The position is taken that the effectiveness of bilingual education programs has not been adequately researched or evaluated. The lack of appropriate critical, empirical, or longitudinal studies is attributed to several factors. (MH)

Suggests that community college practitioners employ a guerilla mentality in dealing with the institutional accreditation processes to build support and to secure gains for the community services function. Delineates suggestions to community service professionals in preparing for and handling the accreditation visit to the advantage of the…

The concept of effective teacher training through the use of college supervisors is no longer a viable method of instruction. (LH)