This paper illustrates the application of existing guidelines to develop a test grounded in theoretical perspectives and empirical findings in the area of problem solving. By documenting this process, the paper outlines the challenges test developers face when seeking to construct a theory/research-driven test, discusses the decisions made at…

This paper addresses perceptions and applications of teacher evaluation by Arab elementary school principals. Analysis of semi-structured interviews with fourteen Arab principals showed that most of the principals identified teacher evaluation as a strategy to improve teaching and learning levels and consequently to improve students' achievements.…

School quality care has become important in many Western countries and a number of high quality school self-evaluation instruments has been developed and implemented to support this activity. However, little is known on the critical success factors for the use of school self-evaluation instruments. From this longitudinal study into the use of a…

Definitional issues on misuse of evaluation results are discussed, and examples from the research literature are presented. It is concluded that the concept of misutilization is insufficiently delineated and that a systematic exploration of the subject is warranted. (TJH)

Discusses the misuse of evaluation by exploring the ethics of those using the evaluation. Characterizes various misuse situations, including financial misuse, and provides insight into why misuse of evaluation takes place. (SLD)

Provides a conceptual framework for considering the distinction between evaluation use and evaluation influence and the relationship between evaluation use and knowledge use. Clarifies and expands some of the established definitions of concepts related to evaluation use. (SLD)

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)

This introduction to a special section on evaluation utilization decribes the charge presented to the commissioned authors: to clarify what is meant by evaluation utilization. The resulting papers are described as presenting a clear rejection of the term utilization and as providing substantial assistance in distinguishing between utilization and…

Use and misuse of evaluation results are discussed. Variations in evaluation definitions, entity used, nature of the user, time and place of evaluation use, personal factor, basic premises of utilization-focused evaluation, misutilization, and method and rationales for use are discussed. A case example with a federal program is outlined. (TJH)

The concepts and tools of change process research are applied to the study of evaluation utilization. In defining utilization as an innovation, evaluation use is described as a process which must be assessed at both the individual and organizational level and across time and evaluation studies. (Author/LC)

The Vocational Education Evaluation in Virginia (VEEVA) evaluation procedures were studied. Data from questionnaires completed by evaluation coordinators were organized and are presented in the article. Recommendations and implications provide insights into the improvement of evaluation systems. (DWH)

A utilization-focused approach was adopted to evaluate a program that involved establishing three experimental under-fives coordinator's poets in one of the shire counties. An illuminative model of evaluation was used, with a focus on process rather than solely on outcomes. (BW)

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)

Study investigated the factors that influence the use of evaluative information for decision making by school boards. Study suggests that there is no set process for decision making but that there are decision-making patterns that depend on contextual variables. (RB)

Two politically oriented factors are cited as major impediments to effective conveyance of evaluation findings to decision makers. The first factor, relevance, includes the elements of timing and matching of perceptions. The second, constituency support, includes recognition of reference groups and political benefits. (Author/LC)