As part of a broad exploratory research project, both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced measures were utilized as child outcome measures for a group of 49 intellectually handicapped children aged from 12 to 48 months who participated in eary intervention programs. Findings suggested that criterion-referenced measures are more sensitive to…

Assessed the actual recidivism rate of offenders who commit sexual assaults. Found the majority of the offenders had been convicted more than once and admitted to having committed sex crimes for which they were not apprehended. Results suggest recidivism is not a dependable measure of rehabilitation. (Author/JAC)

Describes the planning and activities of a two-day exchange program between urban and rural students. Includes 13 responses from a student developed poll administered before the exchange took place. (JN)

Explores the impact of Minnesota's Open Birth Record Law. Studied adoptees in search of information and contact with their birth parents. Caseworkers were relatively successful in the searches, but personal contacts were achieved for only 35 percent of the adoptees. Supports the value of the Open Birth Record law. (Author)

The issue of minimum competency testing (MCT) was put on a three-day trial conducted by the National Institute of Education. Both pro and con sides agreed that MCT shouldn't be used for teacher evaluation, allocation of educational resources, and retention of nonpassing students. (Author/GK)

Studied the effect of progressive muscle relaxation training on a group of anxious older widows (N=10). Found training decreased the severity of stress-related disorders when compared with controls. Results indicated, with state anxiety, improvement continued during home practice after treatment. (Author/JAC)

Describes two contrasting types of efforts (for individual programs and for classes of programs) used by the U.S. Office of Education to evaluate the effectiveness of bilingual education, and the sharply contrasting results. (Journal availability: National Dissemination and Assessment Center, California State University, 5151 State University…

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

First in a series of successful innovations reported by readers, the article describes the "House Group" concept at Shoreham-Wading River (New York) High School. The House Group emphasizes the individual relationship between a student and an adult adviser who serves as advocate and mature "friend." (Author/MLF)

Problems concerning the accreditation of teacher education programs include: (1) the differences in requirements at various institutions; (2) evaluating program substance instead of form; (3) determining actual qualifications of graduates; (4) the purpose of accreditation; and (5) the effectiveness of the evaluation. Various solutions are…

Presents school administrators' and teachers' views on the necessary ingredients of a superlative arts program. Participants were from schools which had received Rockefeller Brothers Fund awards for excellence in the arts. (AM)

Nineteen kindergarten children were pretested on readiness and blending tests and randomly assigned to a control or experimental group to determine if auditory blending skills were teachable and important in a beginning reading program. Following instruction in sequencing and blending sounds, the experimental group gained significantly in both…

A graduate program for dance was designed by San Diego State University (California). Its organizational structure, guest artist program, financing methods, and its perceived success are described. (CJ)

A unifying theory for planned change is presented and applied to the problem of assessing program implementation. A procedure for defining educational treatments in replicable terms is described. (Author/CM)

Evaluation design decisions for a child care provider training program are discussed as a function of three characteristics: decentralization, local autonomy and multiple delivery strategies. While decentralized process data were gathered, only centralized outcome data were collected. The design decisions made were appropriate for such diverse…