Evaluation policies set an important frame of reference for how evaluations are implemented. Despite the central influence that policies play in how evaluations are conducted, little empirical work has been conducted to better understand how these policies are interpreted and implemented. This paper describes the findings of case study evaluation…

In many European languages, the words "assessment" and "evaluation" are synonymous, but in English the two terms are used differently. Educational "assessment" is learner-focused and part of professional pedagogy, relating directly to the accountability of practitioners and schools to learners and their families.…

This paper synthesizes the existing literature on stakeholder involvement in program evaluation, drawing a basic distinction between deep involvement of a few versus less active involvement of a broad range of stakeholders. The paper then comments on the case studies described in this special issue and integrates them with previously published…

In this essay, we describe our experiences working with a rebellious primary stakeholder, Sylvia, as evaluators of a district-wide safe schools program. Given the breadth of the program and its multiple target constituencies, we were confronted with the challenges of managing a large number of stakeholders, or those individuals and groups that…

Describes a utilization-focused evaluation "gone awry" when two of the primary intended users left the program and were replaced. Discussion centers on the potential choices for use when intended users are no longer part of an evaluation. (SLD)

The Standards for Evaluations of Educational Programs, Projects, and Materials was published in 1980 by the McGraw-Hill Company. Three sections of this article discuss major issues related to the development of the Standards, its content and form, and the work planned for its application and future development. (Author/RL)

Makes the case that both internal and external evaluation are needed in the assessment of educational systems. Suggests some conditions have to be met to establish a constructive dialogue between internal and external evaluation. (SLD)

Draws practical suggestions from "The Program Evaluation Standards" (Joint Committee, 1994) relevant to issues of disclosure of evaluation findings and arranges these suggestions to simplify the issues for evaluators. Suggestions should help evaluators decide when they can legitimately report findings beyond contractual agreements. (SLD)

Describes the experience of an evaluation network being put into practice in Spain to encourage educational change. Outlines the most relevant conditions needed for educational change and develops the description of a school evaluation network that includes all the previously described conditions. (SLD)

Describes the Brazilian National System of Evaluation of Basic Education and analyzes its impact on educational polices and practices, especially at the state level. Data from about 15 interviews, site visits, document review, and a survey completed by representatives of 23 state education departments show the strong points and weaknesses of the…

Describes two evaluation studies that faced ethical problems because of an atmosphere of promotion and advocacy. One was the evaluation of a teachers' professional-development program, and the other was an evaluation of a federally funded youth sports program. The realization and resolution of ethical conduct must come from within the evaluator.…

The Holtzman Project at Northwestern University reviewed educational program evaluations at the federal, state, and local levels of government. This paper focuses on the administration of the project, including constraints on its operations, the strategic decisions that seemed correct at the time, and some decisions that now seem wrong. (BW)

The role of the chief scientist in the formulation of a policy of evaluation research by a government unit is considered, together with issues facing his office. Such issues include: accountability; meeting the expectations of decision makers; increasing evaluation utilization; and evaluation feasibility. (AEF)

The Eindtoets Basisonderwijs (final primary school test) is a Dutch national achievement test taken annually by 90,000 pupils. This article overviews the Dutch educational system and describes this testing program, emphasizing test equating methods. Evaluation findings from 1980 and resulting changes in test content and evaluation reports are also…

Revolutionary developments in collecting and analyzing data for use in improving curriculum and instruction at the local level are now possible with the advent of low-cost computers. The basic purposes and approaches of assessment methodologies must be refocused for local application. (LMO)