Assesses the effectiveness of a short-term, but intensive physical training program with a group of adult retardates at a sheltered workshop. (Author/RK)

Notes that program evaluations have many dimensions and that systematic efforts to evaluate an enrichment or intervention program require much decision making. Discusses factors affecting choice of evaluation measure, focuses for evaluation measures, factors affecting data collection (including family variables, screening versus psychometric…

The presentation of case study research in this book is based on a disciplined, qualitative inquiry into a single case, rather than quantitative methodologies or case studies for instructional purposes. Practical suggestions are given for gathering and organizing data and for data interpretation and reporting. (SLD)

A study assessed the impact of interpersonal skills training on top managers (n=252) by analyzing feedback from subordinates. The skills most responsive to training had clear objectives and outcome criteria and could be expressed as step-by-step routines. Soft skills were more difficult to improve in this way. (Contains 62 references.) (JOW)

A 3-year observational study of a project to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) conducted by a British university highlighted initial contacts and working methods that were effective. Results identified why some SMEs do not make full use of facilities offered and reasons for overall success. (Contains 13 references.) (JOW)

Arguing that "needs assessment" is too vaguely defined, this paper considers the term's location within the planning field, compares two variants of the discrepancy model (classical versus social welfare approaches), and reflects on the assumptions and implications imbedded in needs assessment technocracy. Includes 16 notes and 26 references. (MLH)

Thirty studies on supported employment for people with disabilities were evaluated using a proposed Social Validity Matrix. Results suggested further research should investigate alternative strategies for assessing social validity, develop systematic procedures for collecting and using social validity data, and establish functional variables…

The data collection matrix makes possible the integration of functional area data from numerous assessment sources and presentation of the information in a unified composite report. This model is discussed in relation to the various assessment instruments and the evaluation of functional areas and programs in colleges and universities. (Author/MSE)

Describes how the State University of New York took advantage of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's accreditation process that provided an organizational structure, demanded a research base, supported a national perspective, and offered assistance for program improvement.(JOW)

Discusses how to develop an effective assessment process for learning communities, including initial considerations, the value of student involvement, questions guiding the study, data management, and considerations for future studies. (EV)

A review of the history of diversity management resulted in a call for a new agenda that encourages more collaboration between scholars and administrators, increased researcher observation of workplace reactions to diversity management initiatives, more informative and rigorous case studies, and more third-party evaluations of diversity management…

The Independence Programme (TIP) assists young people with physical disabilities in meeting the challenges of adult roles and responsibilities. An evaluation of one summer's program including 4-month follow-up of 10 youths showed clinically important changes in their performance of and satisfaction with daily living skills. (JOW)

In a climate of growing accountability for Higher Education, there is an increased demand on assessment to play an evaluative role. National, professional and institutional quality assurance systems expect that the assessment of student performance can be used to evaluate the quality of teachers, learners, programmes and even institutions for the…

Many of us are concerned about newly imposed demands coming from accrediting organizations or administrations to assess our mathematics departments and ourselves as individual instructors. To be sure, cynicism about assessment abounds on campuses. This article attempts to take on some generic objections and to unravel the complexities which lie…