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)

The User Interview Survey examined patterns of information use among elementary school decision makers. The goal was a better understanding of the mix of evaluation and other information inputs into program decisions. The study results are reported, and their implications for improving evaluation utilization at the local level are discussed. (BW)

This study investigated the utility of Title I evaluation, and in particular, the Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS). To examine utility, instances of evaluation use in state (SEA) and local education agencies (LEA) were identified, and the factors associated with that use were studied. Title I evaluation was used by SEAs to: insure…

Case studies of educational program evaluations demonstrate that utilization of evaluative information occurs; however, its forms and the forces influencing utilization are complex. Naturalistic methods were used to study utilization. (See RIE: ED 174 666). (Available from: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 433 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104, single…

Argues that the mere presentation of evaluative data is hardly apt to improve decisionmaking. Suggests that, to meet the needs of different decisionmakers, methods of information presentation be developed to assure that the right person get the proper information, at the proper time, and in the proper format. (Author/JF)

Suggestions for broadening the utilization of evaluation research findings are discussed. Major program changes, based on evaluation, may not become obvious for several years; program actions may contradict findings and still be based on rational decision making processes; evaluation findings may have far-reaching effects which were not recognized…

Naturalistic research methods were used to analyze five case studies of school program evaluations. Interviews were conducted with program personnel and evaluators for the five programs, which were funded by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, Title III, or Title IV-C. Programs were: (1) Bayview: Project MORE, a program to improve…

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;…