In addition to training and knowledge of particular programs and legal requirements evaluators need interpersonal skills. Sensitivity to and rapport with staff and community as well as respect and commitment of administrators, particularly school superintendents, are critical. To make their work useful, evaluators should be facilitators, not…

Certain expectations that federal officials have about evaluation researchers are discussed. Included are: (1) presence of a clear understanding of what evaluation means; (2) procedure for carrying out an evaluation; and (3) understanding by the evaluator of how the research relates to the decision-making process. (Author/GK)

Considers the characteristics of computer based learning (CBL) which have caused it to attract so much attention from evaluators, gives an overview of current approaches to evaluation, and raises questions about what services in CBL are being required of evaluators and how they might best be achieved. (Author/CMV)

If program evaluation is to continue its decade-long advance as a specialized field and make contributions at both the operational and policy-setting levels, evaluators must receive a basic education in the theoretical, substantive, methodological, and organizational elements pertinent to their roles. (Author)

Suggestions are made on effective presentations by evaluators of research studies to audiences who are not statisticians. Examples of effective presentation methods are given: analogies in presenting statistics; graphs or pictorial presentations; summaries to highlight findings; concise reports based on a television newscast style; and judicial…

The viewpoints of contributors to the forum are reviewed. Many of the disagreements represent fundamental differences in what constitutes evaluation. All four authors agree that the formative/summative distinction is useful and will continue to be an important concept in program evaluation, although the distinction needs greater clarification.…

Literature on evaluation use since 1986 was reviewed. Developments in this period include the rise of considerations of context as critical to understanding use; identification of process use as a consequence of evaluation; expansions of conception of use from individual to organizational levels; and diversification of the evaluator's role. (SLD)

The Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) welfare-to-work program in California was evaluated by the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC). The evaluation relied on involvement of stakeholders, examination of program implementation, flexibility, the adaptation of evaluation questions and designs during the study, use of random…

Performance of staff at a British college is evaluated through assessment of portfolios by appraisers chosen by the appraisee. The nature of the professional relationship between appraiser and appraisee is a key determinant of the quality of the portfolio review and the formulation of individual development plans. (SK)

Builds on C. Christie's innovative work to chart a future course for research on evaluation. Describes a variety of forms that a more evidence-based approach to evaluation theory could take and offers suggestions to help increase the amount and impact of evidence in evaluation theory. (SLD)

Examined the relationship between students' composition scores and the writers' and raters' perceptions of a given topic: does a student receive a higher score if the rater agrees with the student's thesis? Findings indicated that there are other factors, such as students' attitude and cognitive ability that may affect raters' judgments of student…

Promotion of evaluation as a profession in Australia and New Zealand is discussed. The profession is challenged to make a commitment to utility, quality products and processes, and the development of skilled, trained professionals. Ways of overcoming barriers to the establishment of evaluation as a profession are outlined. (TJH)

A Chapter I evaluator reflects on developments in her role within the Title One/Chapter One Program through five phases. The phases were characterized, successively, by broad acceptance, defensiveness, indifference, negativity, and openness to criticism. (TJH)

A numerical taxonomy of evaluation theory and practice is presented, based on responses by 14 leading evaluators to a two-page questionnaire. A multidimensional scaling analysis of results indicated that differences between evaluation theories are more complex and more divisive than are differences in evaluation practice. (TJH)

An editorial policy statement on the nature of the new journal "Applied Measurement in Education" is provided. The journal's intent is to improve measurement practice and communication between academicians and educational measurement practitioners in the field. This journal will contain articles with clear implications for applied measurement…