The objective of evaluation in education is distinct from the objectives of measurement and assessment or testing. Accordingly, a synthesis of the three procedures into a single theory is not viable. Evaluation is a method of gathering empirical evidence for decision making by answering questions about the worth of educational materials, activities, and programs. Testing, with its emphasis on measuring and predicting human characteristics, supports evaluative efforts but the relationship is one of assistance and not identify. A related document is EA 002 819. (JK)