The nature of controversial programs is discussed, including problems that such programs pose for evaluators and suggested solutions for the problems. Controversial programs are likely to generate news-media attention, internal conflicts (i.e., involving the program and evaluation staffs) and external conflicts (i.e., involving various advocacy groups and program critics). Ways of dealing with these issues are presented. Various experimental and quasi-experimental designs are suggested for evaluating certain types of high-controversy programs. Also discussed are measurement problems facing the evaluator: problems involving the measurement of both cognitive and affective objectives. Among the most salient differences between controversial and non-controversial programs are the factors surrounding the evaluator's decision to evaluate the program. A presentation is made of the negative and positive factors that the evaluator might consider before deciding to evaluate a controversial program. It is concluded that no single set of problem-solving solutions will work for all controversial programs. More work is needed to explicate the evaluation problems inherent in such programs. (Author/PN)