Program-theory approaches to evaluation have gained acceptability over the past 25 years as a means for examining conditions for implementation that are associated with better outcomes and developing detailed program theory. They have also gained confusion, as witnessed in the review of recent studies in this article. (Author/SLD)

Discusses the strategies used to integrate evaluation research into the management of an organization. Also discusses the methodologies and managerial problems encountered in using evaluation research to change the policymaking procedures of public agencies. (RB)

In the last 10 years, there has been increased use of case study methodology, with accompanying refinement and improvement of the methods. Case studies have become legitimate research methods in evaluation, but it is too soon to say whether improvements in methodology are really resulting in improvements in the case studies conducted. (SLD)

The results of a major study on the topic of evaluation and decision making which was conducted at the Center for the Study of Evaluation are presented. The purpose of this paper is to explain what we know about independent educational accomplishment audits and the manner in which they have been carried out. As part of the larger study cited…

This article reviews the agricultural research evaluation literature in an effort to assess the extent of coverage in this area. Coverage breakdowns with respect to evaluation approaches, types of research, and products and production processes are presented. Results suggest that there has been limited coverage of research undertaken in…

This volume is intended for use in introductory research courses in which elementary and early childhood teachers, reading specialists, special education teachers, and content area teachers at the middle and secondary school levels are prepared as consumers of educational research rather than producers of educational research. The text provides…

Finding time for teams to work in schools is both a necessity and a responsibility. If educators are sincere about efforts to improve student learning, leaders must take responsibility for providing team time for teachers and a structure in which they are able to work collaboratively. The Papillion-La Vista (Nebraska) Public Schools took to heart…

"A Parent's Guide to Assessment" is the fifth volume in the "Life Journey through Autism" series published by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR). It is intended to remove the mystery surrounding assessment, provide parents with a practical understanding of the assessment process, equip them as a parent with the…

Intended to provide teachers with information about research in creativity, the book reviews practical considerations involved in the education of gifted and talented children. The first section analyzes difficulties and issues in defining creativity, including a review of models of creative thinking. The second chapter briefly reviews…

This article discusses the evaluation of public health in communities, examining common indices, evaluation methods, and uses of findings. (JMB)

Contends that even in the new era of financial limitations on educational research and development (R & D), this enterprise can thrive if adaptations are made in certain areas, including: (1) bases for judging R & D success; (2) bases for financing; (3) view of educational institutions; (4) role responsibilities; (5) communication clarity; and (6)…

In exploring the question of teaching effectiveness research, this essay provides historical insight, an analysis of present day uses of this research data, and examples of the potential utility of this research. (MM)

Importance-performance analysis, a marketing research technique using analysis of consumer attitudes toward salient product or service attributes, is found useful for colleges and universities in developing marketing strategies, particularly when competition is considered as an important dimension. Data are drawn from a survey of 252 students at 1…

These guidelines are designed to make research a more effective instrument in the management and improvement of the correctional sub-system of criminal justice. The Guide emphasizes that: (1) the correctional administrator has several responsibilities to fulfill if he is to benefit from research, and, (2) the researcher must command a variety of…