Utilization should be defined according to the evaluation approach used and the purposes established for it. By developing a matrix that includes the dimensions of utilization and the various evaluation approaches, it is possible to plan and conduct evaluations that increase the likelihood of the desired type of utilization. (Author/LC)

The purpose of this paper is to examine the various decisions associated with evaluation, provide some sort of structure and terminology for them, and then determine where (within this structure) the crucial value judgments lie. One result of such analysis will be a definition of evaluation. (Author/CTM)

The education evaluation efforts of the federal government are discussed, focusing on the question of their effectiveness in informing the policymaking process. Successful evaluation criteria are outlined. An evaluation must provide useful information to policymakers to be a success. (DWH)

In order to better understand the influence of the organizational setting on evaluation, this conceptual framework was developed and tried out in a meta evaluation of innovatory educational programs in Holland. Four components are explained--contigency factors, organization structure, policy-making, and evaluation research--and a checklist is…

High school students, teachers, and principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the availability and importance of different types of evaluative information. Overall, all three groups perceived that evaluative information was only occasionally available, which indicating that such information was important. (Author/MV)

Point of entry problems are faced by evaluators when asked to start an evaluation at an inappropriate time or to perform an inappropriate study. The fundamental purpose of evaluation is to help improve services. Guidelines are presented for choosing when to do a context, input, process, or product evaluation. (GDC)