Presents, in light-hearted way, a few rules of evaluation practice wisdom that, if followed, would result in more rigorous and useful evaluations of human services programs. Although none of the ideas is totally original, it is suggested that as a group they provide handy checklist for practitioners who are developing or assessing evaluation…

It is argued that the role of the evaluator is fluid and subject to unpredictable change over time. Two key principles from systems theory support the above: (1) the definition of an organization as an open system, and (2) the self-regulatory or cybernetic nature of systems. Actual experiences are drawn upon to describe that interrupted the…

In his review of Frank Caro's article, "Leverage and Evaluation Effectiveness," the author challenges Caro's assertion that evaluations are weaker than they could be because evaluators are in weak organizational positions to demand methodological rigor or full program cooperation. Caro's model aligning evaluation with regulation is…

The philosophical and psychological foundations of the resistance evaluators encounter when attempting to implement evaluation efforts are explored. Problems in the evaluative paradigm are presented, and suggested coping strategies are discussed. (Author/GK)

Health care and other human service programs exhibit disparities and inequalities in services and rising costs. A broader focus in program evaluation is needed. Evaluation studies should determine how well programs work as well as identify and consider alternatives. (JOW)

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)

The issue of the perceived success of human services program evaluations is the specific focus of this paper. Five areas that affect the potential for producing effective program evaluation form a framework for discussing factors related to perceived success. The areas include inappropriate conceptualization of what an evaluation can accomplish,…

This paper attempts to put program evaluation into a broad but realistic perspective for managers and program practitioners in public agency human services programs at the state and local levels. It attempts to characterize the meaning and intent of program evaluation; to compare it with similar or allied approaches to improving decision making…

A program can be evaluated, and a cost-benefit ratio can be calculated to five decimal places, without ever directly examining outcomes. A useful vocabulary in economics and an understanding of the concepts involved is provided evaluators by an economist. (Author/RL)

The effectiveness of the community board in the mental health system specifically and in human service systems generally depends, to a large extent, on how the board's role and scope are defined and how its organizational structure and staffing procedures are developed. The development of community boards should be based upon the premises that (1)…

The need for and applicability of general systems theory in human services evaluation is discussed. The role of evaluation in human services agencies is described and the necessity of combining the programs to be evaluated and the evaluation process itself in a single unifying conceptual model is demonstrated. (Author/AL)

It is suggested that the developmental phases of program evaluators replicate those of the profession of program evaluation. A trend in program evaluation from program amelioration to program advocacy and ultimately to program accountability is projected. (Author/MH)

The consumer of a service is of primary importance when defining groups most concerned with program impact. Program effectiveness for the consumer may be increased through the use of certain guiding principles based on the extension of existing quality assurance and program evaluation methodologies. (Author/RL)

Briefly reviews general grouping of methods of program evaluation, discusses considerations in selecting a method, and comments on the roles and responsibilities of the public and voluntary sectors in the process of planning, evaluating, and implementing programs. (SS)

The institution-based model for providing services to individuals with disabilities has limitations in both developing and developed countries. The community-based rehabilitation model was positively evaluated by the World Health Organization as an alternative approach, but the evaluation is questioned on methodological and philosophical grounds.…