One source of bias, regression artifacts, in program evaluations that use regression discontinuity design is identified, and its importance is discussed. A method is suggested for its correction. Although use of this method does not solve the problem of selection bias, it does improve the reliability of nonexperimental methods. (SLD)

Examines six challenges that face teachers interested in developing alternative assessments of literacy: (1) clarifying goals; (2) clarifying audiences; (3) selecting and developing assessment techniques; (4) setting performance standards; (5) establishing methods of management; and (6) integrating assessment and instruction. (SR)

Addresses the challenge of finding or creating alternatives to tests and traditional grading systems. Reflects on and describes the experience of creating an assessment tool and cautions against choosing alternatives that merely camouflage the grades. Encourages educators to find authentic alternatives to describe children's growth. (BAC)

Conducted telephone survey on state efforts to evaluate school programs funded under Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Some states reported studies of program implementation and some reported drug- and alcohol-use surveys. Together, these two types of evaluation efforts formed foundation of approach for conducting evaluations under the act.…

Discusses the practical questions of evaluating, improving, and rewarding teaching. Suggests that teaching become more collaborative through faculty seminars, curricular planning, or team teaching. (PRA)

Describes the Southern Interscholastic Press Association's (SIPA) evaluation service for student publications. (SR)

The techniques of program evaluation parallel the historian's methods, which usually consist of mining both qualitative and quantitative sources. Test scores, questionnaires, and unobtrusive measures provide good quantitative data, whereas interviews supply important qualitative information. Researcher involvement in the project being assessed can…

Delineates a process model for mental-health counselors to follow in formulating a differential diagnosis of dementia and depression in adults 65 years and older. The model is derived from empirical, theoretical, and clinical sources of evidence. Explores components of the clinical interview, of hypothesis formation, and of hypothesis testing.…

Determines whether nonmusical attributes of violinists affects judges' rating of their performance. Rated 12 subjects on video, audiovideo, and audio recordings. Reveals significant interactions between performance evaluation and dress, and between evaluation and stage behavior; there was no significant interaction with attractiveness. (DSK)

The nine articles of this theme issue provide overviews of legislative program evaluation and demonstrate the tensions caused by the conflict between utility and rigor in such evaluations. Legislative evaluation is concerned with evaluation utilization because legislators commission evaluations they expect to use. (SLD)

Discusses reasons why scholastic newspaper evaluations sometimes do not meet their intended purpose of being beneficial to the staff as it works to improve its school newspaper. (SR)

Investigates whether scores on the Learning and Study Skills Inventory (LASSI) could be used to identify postsecondary students who had deficiencies in reading comprehension and vocabulary as measured by the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT). Finds that participants who obtained low percentile rankings on vocabulary and comprehension were most…

Reports on girls (n=5) who had been sexually abused but had failed to disclose any sexual contact in a sexual-abuse disclosure interview (false negatives). Results indicate that false negative children had significantly higher levels of dissociative symptoms when compared to "true positive" abused children and non-abused children. (RJM)

Evaluates the issues surrounding the recovery of repressed memories through hypnosis and suggests ways clinicians might productively confront the attendant clinical dilemmas in this process. Discusses the hypnotic experience, the nature of memory, and clinical problems associated with recovered memories. Makes recommendations for clinicians. (RJM)

Based on concerns raised at a workshop at the Southern California College of Optometry, addresses critical issues in the process of peer review of faculty teaching and possible alternatives to these issues as applied to an optometric institution. (EV)