Background: Hundreds of evaluators visit the Claremont Colleges in southern California each year to discuss a wide range of topics related to improving the quality of evaluation practice. Debates between thought leaders in the field have been one of the most popular and informative ways to advance understanding about how best to practice…

The first part of this paper discusses the nature of theories and why some understanding of this abstract subject is of value in the practice of evaluation. The second part looks at the dependence of good practice on a minimalist theory of evaluation and what such a theory entails. (SLD)

Addresses some of the basic logic-of-evaluation skills and some of the basic methodological skills that need to be mastered in order to practice the art and science of evaluation. Lists nine methodological skills. (SLD)

It is suggested that there are some serious problems with defining the concept of empowerment evaluation, with its underlying assumptions, and with its proposed justification. Although devolving some responsibility for evaluation is good, devolving all of it to stakeholders is bad, as is thinking that the devolution creates a new kind of…

Addresses the role of evaluation, the basic logic of evaluation, and how the field of evaluation is structured. Focuses on evaluation in applied psychology, and describes the six conventional fields of evaluation. (SLD)

The emergence of and relationship between two notions in personnel evaluation, merit and worth, are traced. How worth should be evaluated, and whether teacher evaluation is worth what it costs are discussed. Limitations of current approaches to teacher evaluation are reviewed, and the potential of a duties-based approach is noted. (SLD)

This digest describes some of the basic logic-of-evaluation skills and some of the basic methodological skills that need to be mastered in order to practice the art and science of evaluation. Some topics from the logic of evaluation that must be dealt with include understanding : (1) the differences and connections between evaluation and other…

This essay provides some background on, explanation of, and justification of a theoretical framework for all types of evaluation. This framework is used to connect and underpin the approaches of other contributors to this special issue. A core discipline of evaluation is proposed that ties assorted evaluation fields together. (SLD)