The literature on program evaluation contains numerous suggestions that evaluative information is frequently underutilized or inappropriately utilized by administrators. This paper reviews the literature on utilization with a view toward identifying workable strategies for optimizing appropriate use. Specific recommendations to evaluators include…

The evaluation literature suggests that evaluation studies may be underutilized by policy makers. This possibility has stimulated a good deal of evaluation use research. However, most of the research has not been theoretically grounded. This paper reviews the key propositions of communications theory and related previous research, as they are…

Various strategies for optimizing the use of program evaluation information are recommended, based on a thorough evaluation of the literature. The recently revised "Program Evaluation Standards" (Joint Committee, 1994) are then reviewed point by point as regards sensitivity to these recommendations. It appears that the new standards…

The views of local education agency (LEA) evaluators tend to be underrepresented in the evaluation literature. This symposium was organized to fill this gap. The non-LEA symposium participants (Carol H. Weiss and Bruce Thompson) were asked to pose questions to the LEA participants (Steven Frankel, Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools; Freda…

Meltsner classified evaluators as technicians, politicians, entrepreneurs, or pretenders, based upon differing expectations norms, training, and motivations. This role-perception study of evaluators in a large urban school district supported Meltsner, although few technicians or politicians emerged. (CP)

There has been much literature on the effectiveness of program evaluation. Many feel evaluation has lost its justification; others are more optimistic and feel evaluation can make a difference if the use levels are viewed realistically. Administrators must not regard program evaluation as merely complying with various agency requirements or…

The viability of persuasion theory as a framework for the assessment of program evaluation utilization was assessed. Independent variables studied included credibility, involvement, and role groups. More specifically, the research was designed to address three questions concerning: (1) the occurrence of peripheral involvement persuasive effects…

The literature on the use of evaluative information in local education agencies is summarized. A general structure for studying evaluation use is presented. It is organized after the commonplaces of education (teacher, student, and subject matter). (BW)

The study investigated whether school administrators (n=128) implicitly perceive the "types" of evaluators proposed by Meltsner (1976) when they consider evaluative information. One simulated evaluation report was written to represent each evaluator, differentiated from one another by their norms, expectations, motivations, and training.…

The utilization of program evaluation may be made more effective by means of the application of contemporary persuasion theory. The Elaboration Likelihood Model--a model of cognitive processing, ability, and motivation--was used in this study to test the persuasive effects of source credibility and involvement on message acceptance of evaluation…