The seven articles of this special feature consider the role of evaluation in learning organizations. They draw on applications in business and industry, public schools, higher education, a community arts agency, and a foreign township to illustrate the importance of evaluation in the growth of learning organizations. (SLD)

Bank's report of a long-term evaluation of the Bureau of Jewish Education, discussed in the previous article, is reviewed and commented on from the following points of views: (1) effects of local ecology on evaluation activities; (2) implications of the case study for the role and training of evaluators; and (3) unemphasized aspects of the case…

This paper presents a case study of a stakeholder-collaborative approach to the utilization of evaluation. The roles of participants were extended to incorporate: the design, administration, and interpretation of surveys and interviews; extensive data-gathering; and development of major portions of the final report. (Author/LMO)

The purpose of evaluation in education projects is explored, through examples from English Language Teaching aid projects in developing countries. The distinction between formative and summative evaluation is conceptualized in terms of purpose rather than temporality, and the role of evaluation in program improvement is stressed. (SLD)

Dissemination approaches of the U.S. Department of Education are explored in the context of federal efforts to recognize the best, considering relatively systematic approaches to recognition and the five vulnerable evaluation areas of (1) undefined universes; (2) noncomparable goals; (3) identifying reproducible conditions; (4) saturation; and (5)…

After describing inadequacies of current U.S. Department of Education funding strategies in identifying and sharing the best of research and development, this article outlines an alternative vision centered on using evaluation to guide replication. How to overcome constraints in implementing this vision for federal education leadership is…

The role that evaluation can play in educational reform in China is discussed, drawing on an ongoing study of present evaluation practices and the identification, development, and evaluation of texts and materials for teaching university students about evaluation. Case studies of evaluation in Shanghai illustrate current practices. (SLD)