In the field of child and family programs, a needs assessment, which is essentially a fact-finding exercise, can be conducted either by focusing on a particular program or by examining a population of interest. In conducting a needs assessment, it is important to be systematic, be clear about the information which is sought, be specific about the…

This paper on child care is one of four to be published by the Action Alliance for Virginia's Children. The papers are based on the most comprehensive data available on child care in Virginia, recent scholarly research from both social science and neuroscience, and the best judgment of leading professionals in the fields of education and child…

This guide contains 55 articles written by adult basic education (ABE) practitioners in Pennsylvania suggesting ways to improve teaching and program administration in the field. The guide is organized into four parts: (1) working together for program improvement, (2) teaching and learning, (3) developing as a professional and (4) appendixes (high…

This document contains four papers from a symposium on professionalizing the field of human resource development (HRD). "Issues in the Professionalization of HRD: Building a Knowledge Base and Credentialing Practitioners" (Robert W. Rowden) discusses indicators of an emerging field as workplace education becomes a major strategic thrust.…

This report addresses the major performance and management challenges that have limited the effectiveness of the Department of Education in carrying out its mission. The booklet addresses corrective actions that Education has taken or initiated on these challenges--including a number of management initiatives to improve controls over the…

Schoolwide action research involves the actors in a school continuously and systematically studying their school, analyzing the information gathered, and using it to work toward improvement. Action research can involve collecting data over several years, such as the cumulative effects of schooling, or over shorter periods of time to evaluate…

This monograph is divided into two parts. Part 1 is meant to serve as a conceptual guide for those facilitating or conducting life-cycle program-management workshops focused on any of the life-cycle stages of: (1) problem finding; (2) program design; (3) program development; (4) program implementation; (5) program maintenance and improvement; and…

The operation of the U.S. Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training was examined to determine the following: (1) the use of apprenticeship to train workers; (2) federal and state resources dedicated to administering apprenticeship; and (3) the representation of minorities and women in apprenticeship. Information was obtained from the U.S. Department…

Results of the 1990-91 product evaluation of the federally funded Chapter 1 prekindergarten program of the Saginaw, Michigan School District are reported. The purpose of the program is to provide inner-city 4-year-olds with an environment that will enable them to develop the skills needed for success in school. In 1990-91, the program served 466…

Greater efficiency in research and less interdisciplinary conflict resulted in the reorganization of French doctoral programs. (DE)

The author has worked in public schools, colleges, communities, and New Careers programs. Though enthusiastic, she also notes that paraprofessional programs don't always work. The article presents an analysis of what still needs to be done. (Author/PC)

Authors offer examples of counseling agency consultation with faculty individuals and groups. They identify and evaluate conditions that inhibit consultation as well as circumstances that facilitate it, with the view that effective use of consultation may affect the future development of university counseling services. (Author)

This plan represents an effort to examine what each unit in student development does, and to relate it to the goals and purposes of the institution. Descriptions of an internal study of student services at the University of Georgia is included as an example. (PC)

This document describes a study that investigated the reasons for the frequent failure of national health systems based on primary health care to make effective use of community health workers. The report assesses different national experiences in order to pinpoint weaknesses, trace key mistakes, and define corrective actions. The report opens…

The Discretionary Programs, Parts C through G of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, provide a framework for meeting the unique educational needs of children with disabilities. At this hearing, representatives of disability organizations provided information concerning program effectiveness and program impact on the…