A survey sought information on the administrative factors contributing to high-quality funded research activity in 33 high-ranked but changing research universities. Influential environmental factors, faculty participation, research visibility, and key success strategies were considered. Results were linked to patterns in decline, rise, and…

The various arts and sciences that comprise the field of program evaluation are discussed. It is argued that emphasis on rigor and expressive content has left other aspects of evaluation unexplored. Educational evaluators need to consider what programs mean and how they contribute to understanding. (SLD)

Looks at the factors that make agricultural knowledge systems (AKS) effective, reviews its mechanics and dynamics, and discusses some of the major issues in the management of AKS. (Author)

Describes a short piece of consultancy work in a school for the mentally handicapped from the perspective of both the consultants and the consultees with particular reference to the process issues involved. Explores reasons for high stress levels experienced. Considers questions of practical management. (Author/ABL)

Examined methods of assisting public school teachers with managing stress by assigning 124 female teachers to either individualized training method or global approach training method. Individual training participants did significantly increase time spent on managing stress. Results also provided data on types of stress experienced, sources of…

Project management (PM) software, used by business to facilitate planning and implementation of complex projects through database building, is discussed. Typical PM tools are reviewed, uses of the technique on campus are examined, availability of microcomputer PM software is noted, and its functional uses and benefits are explored. (Author/MSE)

This commentary outlines considerations in assessing (and programing for) social validity to attain results that are valued by client audiences. It discusses the objectives and contexts of several types of social validation, procedures for conducting a social validation, and questions addressed by researchers in assessing social validity. (JDD)

An interview with Stephen C. Hall and Constance F. Towler of the Harvard University Office for Information Technology (Massachusetts) addresses issues in implementing management techniques to improve and maintain program quality. Topics include motivation, executive-level knowledge and support, specific changes made, and response and assistance…

Evaluated sexual assault prevention program in which 181 female college students participated and 165 female students served as controls. Program was effective in decreasing incidence of sexual assault among women without sexual assault history but was not effective among women with sexual assault history. Program led to decrease in dating…

Seven essential ingredients for a successful tech prep program include philosophical support, communication, employer support, a comprehensive career guidance program, effective staff development programs, sound curriculum development techniques, and continuous evaluation and modification. (JOW)

Examined current programmatic and institutional factors associated with the most successful drug prevention programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education in 1987. Findings from 73 of the original 92 college and university drug prevention programs were examined. Twenty most successful…

Provides an overview of the Start SMART smoking cessation program which combines nicotine withdrawal therapy with behavior modification. The Start SMART program provides seven, intensive one-hour group sessions that are shown to be a most effective intervention with a specific population--motivated, yet highly dependent smokers. (GLR)

Over 166,000 students attend charter schools. President Clinton has called for the creation of 3,000 charter schools by 2000. This article examines effects of "weak" versus "strong" charter-school laws, discusses charters' pros and cons, explains funding challenges, and reviews preliminary findings on charter schools'…

A program dubbed AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has spread to nearly 600 schools across the country. Its primary mission is to help average achievers do well enough in high school to be accepted into college. A 1994 study found that 94 percent of AVID graduates enrolled in 2-year or 4-year colleges. Sidebars recount the…

Describes the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Program in Self-Determination, a program facilitating change through the support of "learning community" grants to self-advocacy organizations and others. Local implementation is demonstrating creativity in establishing new tools of self-directed management of resources, listening to…