The assessment of the outcomes of social programs should always include estimates of the size of the effects produced. Various approaches to this problem are discussed. (Author)

Serial Evaluation Activities (SEAs) are series' of focused evaluational studies, each dealing with a well-defined "component unit" within a complex project. Strategies for enhancing timeliness in SEAs include a comprehensive conceptual framework, a permanent institutional setting, a prearranged sample plan, utilization of item banks, and…

The author reviews three topics featured in his first Behavior Modification column: pupil management, social validation, and nondiscriminatory testing. Two new topics are also discussed: data and decisions, and program evaluation. (Author)

Reports the results of a study of the discipline alternative, in-school suspension, in which disruptive students are removed from the mainstream and placed in a specialized program within the school. Identifies four areas in which discrepancies were found between what was planned and what actually happened. (Author/WD)

Describes the systematic program developed by the faculty of medicine at the University of Newcastle (Australia) for the evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of its educational endeavors. Evaluation needs, process, and constraints are discussed, as well as the specific tasks required at the University. (Author/JD)

Reports on the first intensive evaluation of the Private Sector Initiative Program. Recommends that Congress and the Labor Department should refrain from changing PSIP's structure, allow time for it to develop fully at the local level, continue to observe local developments closely, and learn from the experience. (CT)

Key elements to ensure the effectiveness of training include (1) systematic development of instructional materials; (2) a means of preparing trainers; (3) techniques to transfer training to job performance; (4) materials to support administration and management of trainees; and (5) systematic measurement of program effectiveness. (SK)

Data collected through a time sampling procedure of eight staff and six resident behaviors indicated that licensed residential units for the mentally retarded were just as derelict as unlicensed units in providing habilitative programing for their retarded residents. (Author)

Citizenship curricula should be broad, realistic, and practical. They should reflect global interdependence and the diversity of American society. (Author)

Private school enrollments remain more northern, White, and wealthy than the general school population. Most benefits distributed under the plans examined would go to northern, White, and wealthy families because they provide the largest number of students and pay the most taxes. (Author/IRT)

Presents a stochastic model and subsequent risk analysis that should enable an administrator to evaluate an incentive contract. A numerical illustration points out the types of issues that can be addressed by the model. (Author/IRT)

Research on the School Health Curriculum Project is analyzed, including research on instrumentation development as well as on research assessing project impact on health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of those students exposed to the project. (JMF)

Discusses the status of vocational education in Wisconsin. Examines the secondary level, the postsecondary level, and the evaluation activities of the state advisory board for vocational education. (JOW)

The author describes the Madison (Wisconsin) Early Childhood Program for handicapped children aged birth to 5 years. Rationale for providing an early childhood program is presented and reasons why the program is provided by the public school system are outlined. Procedures for program evaluation are mentioned. (SBH)

Student follow-up statistics must meet exacting federal standards; yet state educators and officials also wish to derive benefits from them. How should the model follow-up program be structured? Here is presented New Hampshire's solutions to this and other questions. (Author)