This comprehensive "Handbook" focuses on the most used polytomous item response theory (IRT) models. These models help us understand the interaction between examinees and test questions where the questions have various response categories. The book reviews all of the major models and includes discussions about how and where the models…

The author outlines ways to integrate work identity and social identity in order to improve the quality of life. He presents a model for maintaining balance between personal and professional growth, which can stimulate achievement in six areas of human potential. (SK)

A transition planning process that focuses on quality-of-life outcomes is presented. The process, which views employment not as an outcome but as a vehicle for the attainment of quality of life, involves six steps: orientation, personal profile development, identification of employment outcomes, measurement system, compatibility process, and…

The compendium presents a view of 70 programs participating in the Illinois supported employment initiative. A preliminary chapter analyzes the implementation of supported employment in Illinois. It provides a brief history of the Illinois supported employment initiative, describes the Illinois Supported Employment Project, examines the impact of…

Results of a longitudinal study of mentally handicapped Canadian adults' perceptions of their quality of life led to development of a conceptual model. The model calls for a reciprocal link between client and field worker wherein the field worker mediates goals and develops a program based on client-generated programing selections. (JDD)

A meeting of professional experts in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) focused on gathering current expert opinion regarding assistance to families with a child having such an injury. Quantitative data from an ethnographic survey of 214 parents on the effects of TBI on the family is summarized. Then, normalization for families of TBI children…

This evaluation report of special education in the State of Delaware consists of three parts: (1) a position paper that summarizes the conceptual and philosophical basis for the evaluation system; (2) a profile of first year evaluation findings; and (3) a draft of the Long Range Implementation Plan. The evaluation model considers process,…

Designed to provide assistance to natural resource managers in the preparation of conservation educator programs and materials, this manual describes specific procedures for developing programs that would have significant environmental impact. Five steps are identified and explained under separate chapter headings. Each chapter concludes with a…

Reports on a study of a social theory that has the human-environment relationship at its core. Results indicate the ecological worldview has an independent influence on net environmental knowledge of other sociodemographic characteristics. Suggests the teaching of values as well as facts in environmental curricula. (TW)

This guide presents a model for evaluation of educational outcomes appropriate for use with all students (with and without disabilities). It addresses specific post-school outcomes, associated indicators, and possible sources of data for the indicators. The model identifies seven measurable outcome domains and three to five outcomes per domain.…

This manual explains how to implement the Master Teacher in Family Life (MTFL) Program. This training model is designed to teach natural leaders within poor communities the information and skills to create an effective internal communication system to educate fellow residents about important issues and create and sustain a network of support for…

Presents a model of the interaction of external, work related, and internal factors that may influence the decision of academic library professionals to leave the library. The results of a survey that examined factors related to a decision to leave a library are reported, and further research is suggested. (CLB)

Central to the debates surrounding accountability, cost containment, and effectiveness in higher education are issues concerning faculty vitality and productivity. This paper proposes that the nature of faculty vitality and the interactions between individual and institutional vitality are different for comprehensive universities, particularly…

Insights from a variety of research streams were synthesized to identify the key ingredients of a high-quality work environment in Canada's health care sector and ways of achieving high-quality workplaces in the sector. The following sets of interacting factors were considered: (1) the work environment and the human resource practices that shape…