Explores the problems involved in conducting program evaluation in the field of energy conservation. Highlights similarities between evaluation research and basic research. Examines stages of evaluation research within the context of energy conservation programs and argues that experimental evaluations are desirable and feasible. (Author/MK)

Some special problems associated with evaluating intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) programs are addressed. This paper intends to describe alternative approaches to the assessment and improvement of such applications and to provide examples of efforts undertaken and shortfalls. Issues discussed stem chiefly from the technical demands…

Three basic questions about early childhood evaluation are raised: (1) what is to be evaluated, including a discussion of product versus process evaluations; (2) who is to do the evaluating, including comments on external versus staff evaluations; and (3) for what purpose is the evaluation to be conducted, including a discussion of summative…

The Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation Division (TAE) of the National Institute of Education was created during a reorganization in 1978. Some of TAE's activities have included: identifying research needs; long-range planning for federally-sponsored evaluation research; reviewing evaluation methodologies; comparing local vs. large national…

Offers justification for school psychologist's involvement in vocational assessment process and suggests use of the vocational instrument Self-Directed Search (SDS). Argues use of SDS can provide school psychologists with psychometrically sound and time- and cost-efficient means of incorporating vocational component. Discusses integration of SDS…

Internship coordinators in mass media departments face problems both from within the unit where they are employed and externally from conditions at the internship site. Of the two, the most threatening from a career advancement standpoint are the internal problems. Students often plan poorly when considering internships. Some students demand an…

Evaluators often utilize analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) techniques to compensate statistically for the lack of experimental control when assessing the effects of innovative programs implemented in naturalistic settings. In this paper design, analysis, and reporting considerations important to the application of ANCOVA-type techniques in…

Two politically oriented factors are cited as major impediments to effective conveyance of evaluation findings to decision makers. The first factor, relevance, includes the elements of timing and matching of perceptions. The second, constituency support, includes recognition of reference groups and political benefits. (Author/LC)

Describes administrative changes at the National Institute of Education (NIE) over the last four years and relates these to NIE's recent revision of its peer review system. Briefly describes changes in peer review and asserts that the new system provides researchers great opportunity for participation in maintaining quality research. (KH)

Like any other person, Albert Einstein was an informal evaluator, engaged in placing value on various aspects of his life, work, and the world. Based on Einstein's own statements, this paper speculates about what Einstein would have been like as a connoisseur evaluator, a conceptual evaluator, or a responsive evaluator. (Author/BW)

Suggests that through commenting on their own papers, students gradually develop a sense of an imagined external audience and of themselves as writer and audience. (MM)

Reviews strengths and weaknesses of value-added model of outcomes assessment in higher education. Explores important measurement issues that student development specialists who are currently involved in assessment may confront. Makes recommendations for researchers choosing the value-added outcomes assessment model. (NB)

Actual and potential contributions from the fields of anthropology, sociology, ecological and environmental psychology, and ethology to measurement and evaluation, particularly in early childhood education, are discussed. The diversity and potency of these approaches suggest that a multidisciplinary, eclectic approach to finding measures for…

A survey of continuing education administrators addressed the question of the interpretation of the public service component of faculty evaluation. A majority of responses revealed that teaching credit or noncredit continuing education courses as a community service was not widely recognized in tenure and evaluation processes. (SK)

Statewide coordinating agencies are examined concerning their role in determining whether or not to establish new institutions, branch campuses, or professional schools, as well as in deciding which institutions to reallocate or eliminate and which research and public service activities to institute. The historical background and purpose of…