The principles of method development and assessment that have resulted from a long-range project at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory to create new methods for program evaluation are summarized. (Author/AL)

A pilot study of the use of an investigative journalism document-tracking procedure in the evaluation of library operations is discussed. The technique provides a straightforward but powerful method of evaluation that is equally applicable in simple studies and complex investigations. (Author/AL)

The concept of ideology is discussed. An evaluation design that is based on values and ideologies is advocated so that it can be applied to services in different categories and still produce valid comparisons. (Author/AL)

The variety of contexts, the politics of each situation, and the availability of resources all dictate variations in assessing outcomes. Seven major principles of program evaluation are considered, along with a cautionary note to the ambitious who expect large program effects. (Author)

The assessment of the outcomes of social programs should always include estimates of the size of the effects produced. Various approaches to this problem are discussed. (Author)

The 12 articles (including an index) of this theme issue are devoted to documenting and critiquing the American Evaluation Association's "Guiding Principles for Evaluators," a code of ethics and standards. The development of these principles is traced, and their strengths and weaknesses are analyzed at general and specific levels. (SLD)

The user-oriented and utilization-focused evaluation design of the two-year Caribbean Agricultural Extension Project, funded by Aid to International Development, is reviewed. The evaluation scope, stakeholders, evaluation team credibility, official approval of evaluation, and confidence in the evaluation process are addressed, within a…

The design and implementation of a partnership evaluation at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, during the 1985-86 academic year are discussed. Within a conversational format, a strategy is outlined for sharing evaluation responsibilities between the client and evaluator. (TJH)

A feasibility analysis of the use of film criticism methods in the evaluation of microcomputer-based instructional packages is presented. (Author)

A detailed introduction to the use of committee hearings in evaluation is given. Two applications of these procedures (in a state-level evaluation and by a local text selection committee) illustrate both the feasibility and the costs of using hearings as an evaluative format. (Author/AL)

An overview of how program evaluation is organized within the federal government is presented. Using examples from three federal agencies, the author shows how evaluation units are formed, defines their functions, and discusses the barriers that must be overcome to manage a federal program evaluation office effectively. (Author)

The role of the evaluation project director as middle manager is examined, five types of evaluation environment are defined and conclusions about the way in which different types of work environment affect the performance of evaluation management tasks are drawn. (Author/PN)

Strategies for use by clients who commission evaluation studies in the private, university, or governmental sector are outlined. Topics covered include establishing the purpose of the evaluation, assembling in-house management staff, specifying work and expertise requirements, establishing confidentiality and project control, and managing results.…

This article provides an overview of the teaching of evaluation across the disciplines noting changes that have occurred in the last 20 years, identifying common topics covered in a range of program evaluation courses, and discussing issues of course design and content that confront the experienced and novice instructor. (LMO)

Four functions of federal project officers in managing program evaluations with support from contract research firms are described: (1) articulating evaluation requirements; (2) providing for fairness in contract awards; (3) monitoring ongoing studies; and (4) transmitting evaluation results to decision makers. (Author/PN)