For purposes of categorizing those things that perhaps determine the extent to which evaluation findings will be utilized, four sets of factors are considered in this paper: (1) the decision maker/decision process, (2) the program and social context, (3) the nature of the evaluator , and (4) the evaluation process/evaluation report. (Author/RC)

Classification or category systems are important for defining and introducing new concepts, such as decision management/facilitative v judgmental evaluations. Furthermore, category systems can lead to a reexamination or restatement of views of evaluation. (CP)

The potential application of objectives and objective-based measures to evaluation problems of different types is discussed. A framework for categorizing educational evaluation problems and decision areas is used to support the discussion. Decision areas are: 1) selection of the appropriate problem or objective to be served; 2) selection and…

This report, presented to the Legislative Finance Committee of the State of New Mexico, assesses the present procedures for evaluating and accrediting the public schools and makes recommendations for changes. The major flaws found in the present procedures are the amount of man hours involved and the focus on processes rather than outcomes.…

How can Title I evaluations be improved so that they are more likely to increase the impact of evaluation data on informed actions within the schools? An examination of evaluation practice leads to the conclusion that most LEA practitioners view Title I evaluation as externally imposed and primarily designed to serve state and federal needs. A…

This speech concerns the dimensions of context-oriented evaluation and begins with a discussion of the differences between measurement, research, statistical methodology, and evaluation. Decision-oriented evaluation is described as a process in which the evaluator has, as a major concern, the responsibility to determine likely decisions prior to…

Theorizing about evaluation should be conceptualized as a human activity governed by certain strategies and principles. The theories advanced by various evaluators have changed over the years, thus illustrating ten principles of evaluation. The starting point for theory development or modification is self-reflection and review of one's own…

A new role for evaluators is proposed, which reconstructs the evaluator into an information specialist who is part of a project team engaged in self evaluation. The evaluator's role has traditionally been complicated by disagreements about what is expected from the evaluator; by differing perceptions about the evaluator's power to effect change;…