By ascertaining student achievement levels both at admission and at the time the student leaves a school, and by comparing these two scores, a school effectiveness index can be formulated. (RA)

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of workshops for nursing home nurses that promote cognitive gains and increased positive attitudes toward the elderly and the dying. (Available from University of Texas Press, Box 7819, Austin, TX 78712.) (JOW)

Measured video-image representations of body size for 68 females undergoing weight reduction counseling. All judged themselves significantly more obese than they actually were. After therapy, more realistic estimates of their physiques ensued. Dropouts saw themselves as significantly more obese than those who graduated from the program. (JAC)

An overview of how program evaluation is organized within the federal government is presented. Using examples from three federal agencies, the author shows how evaluation units are formed, defines their functions, and discusses the barriers that must be overcome to manage a federal program evaluation office effectively. (Author)

Compared the effectiveness of behavioral (BT) or physical therapy (PT) for treating chronic low back pain (CLBP), for 13 BT patients and 12 PT patients. Treatments were conducted in a group outpatient setting. Posttreatment results showed general improvement for patients in both groups, but few treatment-specific differences in outcome measures.…

Attempts to predict employer benefits resulting from their involvement in cooperative education programs. Benefits include a good source of quality employees, increased worker motivation, and increased respect between students and employers. (JOW)

Three health education interventions for urban poor hypertensive patients were introduced in a randomized factorial design. Two-year data on compliance with therapy and five-year mortality data indicate the success of such educational programs in the long-term management and control of high blood pressure. (Author/GC)

Discusses the quality and impact of occupational education in community colleges and gives guidelines that indicate the influences on program effectiveness. (JOW)

Discusses military training programs--those competency-based educational activities with operational objectives designed to have an impact on individual and unit performance. (JOW)

The Super Saturday program, an extra school program at Purdue University providing minicourses at a fast pace for gifted children in grades 1 through 12, has been judged positively by parents, teachers, and students. (CL)

Describes the history, objectives, participant characteristics, and outcomes of the Voluntary Intervention and Treatment Program, a child protection program designed to encourage and manage voluntary self-referrals by parents with actual or potential problems of child abuse and neglect. (RH)

Methods and findings are summarized from a classical randomized experiment used to evaluate the Nutrition Education and Training (NET) Program developed and implemented in Nebraska. Generally positive effects of the program were found. Two issues needing further consideration are described. (Author/GK)

Reports and discusses results of longitudinal and follow-up studies of the outcomes of an early training project for low-income Black children; findings indicate different program effects for Black males and Black females. (RH)