David M. Fetterman

Abraham Wandersman

Shakeh J. Kaftarian

This outstanding group of evaluators from academia, government, nonprofits, and foundations explores empowerment evaluation, a method for using evaluation concepts, techniques, and findings to foster improvement and self-determination. Empowerment Evaluation begins with an in-depth examination of this type of evaluation as it has been adopted in academic and foundation settings. The book then focuses on the various contexts in which empowerment evaluation is conducted, ranging from resistant environments (in which significant effort is required to move from passive-compliance orientations) to responsive environments (that already have a tradition of self-determination and community organizing). Interesting highlights concerning the role empowerment evaluation has played in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' substance abuse prevention programs are detailed throughout the book. The contributors also provide down-to-earth tools and technical assistance needed to conduct empowerment evaluation. This volume concludes with themes that emerge from the chapters and recommendations concerning next steps. This serves to strengthen the links between empowerment evaluation and community capacity building. empow

Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment and Accountability

Empowerment Evaluation

Fetterman focuses on what actually works in gifted and talented education programs. Complementing the psychological perspective on gifted and talented education, he adopts an anthropological point of view, using methods such as lengthy interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and others involved in the school programs; daily observation; and group discussions to elicit the insider's perspective. A ground-breaking work, Fetterman's timely study provides a comparative picture of over 433 gifted and talented programs in the United States, as well as programs in other countries. The author's cross-cultural perspective points up the need for U.S. educators to shake themselves out of a national complacency about the gifted and talented and stresses the importance of comparing our own efforts with those of other nations. In the process, Fetterman proposes a model for educational excellence in terms of the mainstream U.S. educational system. The book will provide new insights for educators and policymakers working in our educational system as they strive to meet the needs of gifted and talented students.

A Qualitatively Different Perspective on Gifted and Talented Education

Excellence and Equality

Fetterman focuses on what actually works in gifted and talented education programs. Complementing the psychological perspective on gifted and talented education, he adopts an anthropological point of view, using methods such as lengthy interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and others involved in the school programs; daily observation; and group discussions to elicit the insiders perspective. A ground-breaking work, Fettermans timely study provides a comparative picture of over 433 gifted and talented programs in the United States, as well as programs in other countries. The authors cross-cultural perspective points up the need for U.S. educators to shake themselves out of a national complacency about the gifted and talented and stresses the importance of comparing our own efforts with those of other nations. In the process, Fetterman proposes a model for educational excellence in terms of the mainstream U.S. educational system. The book will provide new insights for educators and policymakers working in our educational system as they strive to meet the needs of gifted and talented students.

In addressing a variety of significant social issues, this text aims to show ways of communicating effectively with powerful policy-making bodies in an effort to improve the world in which we live. Ethnographic insights cover such diverse topics as educational reform and AIDS education.

David M. Fetterman

Books

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