Discusses the utilization of evaluative information in terms of the dimensions of evaluation, pitfalls of evaluation, and facts concerning useful evaluation. (AH)

Primary purpose of evaluation is to cause educators to look at the process and the product of education and to utilize evaluation data as a corrective tool. (Authors)

Critical issues in the process of program evaluation are (1) identification and definition of objectives and outcomes, (2) development of valid and reliable forms of assessment, (3) development of methods of data analysis and interpretation, and (4) extension of the use of evaluation results. (SK)

Institutionalizing the evaluation function within educational institutions serves both accountability and decisionmaking. One of the greatest problems is the reliability of evaluation in formation. Provides guidelines for avoiding credibility gaps that derive from the characteristics of personnel and from the nature of the organizational…

The comprehensive model for evaluating nursing education programs is described in terms of what is evaluated; who conducts the evaluation; and why it is conducted. A structure for further action and decision making is also presented. (GDC)

Evaluators of basic units in higher education should be explicit about the motives, object, organization, criteria, methods, dissemination, and impacts of evaluation efforts to avoid being counterproductive. (Author/MSE)

Proposes a community college program review model which promotes institutional autonomy and satisfies accountability demands. Recommends that community colleges use a need/access model rather than the equality/excellence model appropriate for universities. Proposes an open and flexible review process, specific products, and seven evaluation…

This bibliography cites 326 references on the use of evaluation information and results. References include dissertations, journal articles, ERIC documents, books, and other papers. Both published and unpublished works, the majority of which were written after 1970, are cited. A special list of ten recommended readings is separate from the…

This document reports the first-year activities of Teacher Corps projects demonstrating the training framework entitled, Adaptation of Research Findings. These projects incorporate into their design the results of research, empirical practices and processes that have proven effective and relevant to the educational processes for schools serving…

Evaluations occur within a political decision-making mileau, where multiple stakeholders are contending for limited funds. Given the subjective basis of empirical information, different conclusions or recommendations about a program may result from different ideological, theoretical, and disciplinary perspectives. The logic behind the…

A study examined the types of outcomes that are currently measured in postsecondary vocational education and the uses to which data on institutional, program, and student outcomes are being put. Personnel from 54 of the 63 two-year institutions in 25 states that were originally contacted were interviewed. The respondents represented institutions…

Teacher educators are in a state of near paralysis concerning their program evaluations. This paralysis comes from adopting wholesale a dysfunctional evaluative point of view from the dominant educational research establishment. There is a history of overestimating the current relevance of experimental behavioral science models for the gathering…

Effective evaluation of college student recruitment and retention programs is critical to any enrollment management strategy as a strategic tool and a policymaking tool. Meaningful evaluation is based on setting clear goals, asking the right questions, and establishing a context for interpretation of results. (Author/MSE)

A basis is provided for judging the adequacy of evaluation plans or evaluation designs in this document. It is assumed that using the procedures suggested to determine the adequacy of evaluation designs in advance of actually conducting evaluations will lead to better evaluation designs, better evaluations, and more useful evaluative information.…