Authors described various theories and methods of evaluation, as well as issues of procedure. (Editor /RK)

The potential application of objectives and objective-based measures to evaluation problems of different types is discussed. A framework for categorizing educational evaluation problems and decision areas is used to support the discussion. Decision areas are: 1) selection of the appropriate problem or objective to be served; 2) selection and…

This speech concerns the dimensions of context-oriented evaluation and begins with a discussion of the differences between measurement, research, statistical methodology, and evaluation. Decision-oriented evaluation is described as a process in which the evaluator has, as a major concern, the responsibility to determine likely decisions prior to…

The misuse of evaluation is discussed. Boundaries of misutilization are not well understood, and distinctions between misutilization and non-use or abuse are not clear. In general, the responsibility for evaluation misuse is with the user, while the responsibility for misevaluation is with the evaluator. A distinction is also needed between…

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)

An evaluation model is presented for educational decision makers with evaluation defined as "the process of ascertaining the decision areas of concern, selecting appropriate information, and collecting and analyzing information in order to report summary data useful to decision-makers in selecting among alternatives." Areas in special need of…

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…

This investigation documents the impact of the Van Leer Study, a large-scale evaluation study of achievement in the primary schools of Israel. It is intended to increase understanding of the process of evaluation utilization, showing how evaluation findings and other kinds of information can work together, over time and in a variety of ways, to…

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)

The User Interview Survey was conducted by the Evaluation Use Project (EUP). The goals of the survey, which were achieved, were gathering, categorizing, and analyzing information about evaluation use among elementary school decision makers. Most survey respondents agreed instructional and curricular issues were most important. It was found that…

A discussion of client evaluation is presented. One of the initial elements in performing an evaluation is "framing the decision context." In framing this context, the evaluator is faced with several key questions, for example, "Who are the decision makers or decision audiences to whom he will be presenting information?" and "What are the likely…

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)

This paper offers a look into the future of educational program auditing and presents a detailed discussion of the notion of a districtwide educational audit. To date, virtually all program audit activities have occurred as a result of specially funded State or federal education programs. Once the program ends, or changes its requirements, the…

Evaluation of instructional programs involves the process of ascertaining the decisions to be made. The decision maker, not the evaluator, determines the questions to be asked or the decisions to be made. A second task of evaluation deals with the specification of required information in light of system objectives. The task of the evaluator…

In this paper, the author proposes a simple classification of objectives-based evaluation systems in terms of two inherent characteristics or functions they might serve. These functions are (1) evaluation scope, and (2) program generality. According to the author, the development of multipurpose, multiprogram evaluation systems in a broad variety…