NON-FORMAL SECONDARY EDUCATION

Evaluation covers the period 12/78-6/80 and is based on a review of documents and discussions with IDEI personnel. IDEI has successfully reached its end of project status despite turmoil from the 1979 hurricane which damaged project warehouses and offices, interrupted communication with regional centers, and caused financially-depleted students to drop out. Great strides have been made in program development and administration. A fully programmed system for student and financial records was developed. The 5-year institutional and financial development plan is continually used and updated, and operational plans for 1979-81 were prepared. Effective administrative procedures have also been established. Some 215 review session instructors were trained through seminars. A standardized procedure was developed for interim student progress evaluations in which mechanized, programmed "test item blanks" are used. The home study program was improved after an audio recording and production laboratory was installed at IDEI. Standardized textbook formats were developed which incorporate correspondence study and programmed learning, and textbook printing and distribution costs have been substantially reduced. Photoequipment replacement parts must be imported, however, slowing printing production. IDEI also surveyed 100 employers to determine the demand for a technical/vocational training component. As a result of the project, the student dropout rate decreased 15.5% since 1978 and the re-enrollment rate increased 51% since 1975. Private and government support has increased dramatically. An estimated 39,200 students who have been involved at some time in the IDEI program have benefitted from this project. An unplanned effect of this project is that in addition to IDEI"s strengthening its institutional capacity, it has served as a model for the education sector.