This study was the first year of a two-year project which applied a program theory-driven approach to evaluating the impact of teachers' professional development interventions on students' learning by using a mix of methods, qualitative inquiry, and quasi-experimental design. The current study was to show the results of using the method of…

The distinction between experimental evaluation (which employs generalizable analyses of discrete causes and effects) and contextual evaluation (which examines particular program operations holistically) is articulated. Program characteristics are examined and linked to experimental and contextual models of program evaluation. (Author/MH)

After reviewing the literature, the authors defined a two dimensional framework comprising formative evaluation activity as one dimension and source of information as the other. Four types of formative evaluation activity were identified and defined. Three primary sources of information-internal, external, and contextual-were identified for…