Educators and politicians share a problem of communication that will have dire consequences for education. Legislators see that educators engage in much so-called evaluation, and collect carloads of data, but are rarely critical of existing programs or truly innovative in others. Legislators are accused of not understanding education, and of…

The speaker discusses Congressional program evaluation. From the Congressional perspective, good evaluators understand the political, social, and economic processes; are familiar with various evaluation methods; and know how to use authority and power within their roles. Program evaluation serves three major purposes: to anticipate social impact…

The evolution of congressional support for educational programs and the impact of the present trend toward financial restraint are reviewed. Research, evaluation, and policy studies will help influence future decisions, although other factors such as the economy and interest group pressures will affect support. (MH)

In an interview with Albert H. Quie, governor of Minnesota, he gives his opinion about the impact of research studies or educational evaluation on policy decision making in Congress, and the role of Congressional Committee staff members. (MH)

A study was undertaken to identify and analyze dysfunctional elements in the administration of ESEA Title I, and to determine the impact of these elements on administrative behavior and program effectiveness at the local educational level. A model of administrative behavior and hypotheses was developed, and the literature reviewed for discrepancy…