Findings of positive effects of mastery learning on experimenter-made measures can be interpreted as supporting the view that this technique may help focus teachers on a given set of objectives. The claim that mastery learning can accelerate achievement, in general, in elementary and secondary schools is still awaiting evidence. (SLD)

Studies placements and placement outcomes in a large voluntary foster care agency system, the Casey Family Program. Focuses on prediction of maintenance of foster placement when foster children have been matched with foster parents in what is intended to be a long-term, stable relationship. (BB)

Evaluates effects of age of initial intervention on hearing-impaired children's academic achievement, social-emotional adjustment, and speech comprehension. Early intervention was not associated with improved performance in any dependent measures. (Author/BB)

Discusses the importance of assessing instructional programs by looking objectively at the interrelated factors of student performance, teacher performance, and program effectiveness to determine their relationship to the achievement of goals. Suggests methods that teachers can use to assess whether social studies activities and materials have…

A survey of residents and residency supervisors at three Veterans' Administration hospitals affiliated with one school of optometry investigated attitudes toward core optometry curriculum activities. Activities were generally rated well for content and effectiveness of presentation, and the study also provided information for program improvement.…

Saint Louis University has achieved a no-cost expansion of its staff and services by implementing a graduate-level Research Administration Practicum. The practicum has a dual focus: to enhance the graduate experience by integrating research skills and theory with practice; and to provide more staff at minimal expense. (MLW)

Tested the effects on achievement of the High/Scope K-3 Curriculum. Found that the High/Scope Follow through children scored significantly better on achievement tests than they would have in regular classes without this program. However, the evaluation was incomplete in that such tests do not assess important High/Scope K-3 Curriculum goals. (WP)

This article discusses the literature on drug treatment counselor practices and effectiveness and discusses relevant issues in a multilevel framework by considering client outcome in relation to varying characteristics of clients, counselors, and programs. A conceptual model is presented for understanding counselor effects on client outcomes. (SLD)

The Wisconsin Hills (Brookfield, Wisconsin) Elementary School Peer Intervention Team (PIT Crew) is a group of collaborating classroom teachers, specialty area teachers, and support staff who consult with one another to develop intervention strategies to assist students. The PIT Crew model has resulted in fewer referrals for special education…

Drawing from survey data (n=138 medical schools in the United States and Canada), a study analyzed medical schools' systems for evaluating student progress in clinical experiences. The 4-stage model used by most schools, common and unique characteristics, and 17 symptoms of system errors, signaling a need for system review, are outlined.…

Revisits 58 child care centers in Atlanta (Georgia) that had received interventions alerting directors to playground safety hazards. Comparison with 71 control centers randomly selected found averages of 9.4 hazards at intervention center playgrounds and 8.0 hazards at control centers. These results indicate the ineffectiveness of the…

The effectiveness of an innovative outpatient drug-free treatment facility serving felony drug offenders who are placed on probation is evaluated. Treatment included educational and group therapy as well as acupuncture. Background characteristics, levels of treatment, and selected outcomes are described. Principles of successful interventions are…

Results from an outcome study of 50 adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems in a partial hospitalization program reflect parental involvement during the treatment process. High parental involvement is related to greater improvement in school and home functioning, reduced rehospitalization, and reduced pathology and problem severity…

PEECH (Programing for Early Education of Children with Handicaps) is a center-based program combining child-initiated and teacher-directed activities for children with mild to moderate disabilities, ages 3-5. Results of an evaluative study at the demonstration site and replication sites revealed participants' improvement in receptive and…

Concepts of formative and process evaluation are discussed, and their applications in health promotion and disease prevention are reviewed. Process evaluation fulfills the need for information on program implementation, whereas formative evaluation aims to help develop and improve programs from an early stage. Both evaluations can increase program…