A centralized evaluation unit within the California State Department of Education is responsible for evaluating programs administered by the state. Focusing on these educational program evaluations, the principal objectives of this study were to: (1) Describe the major components of the current program evaluation system; (2) Examine the planning of state program evaluations; (3) Analyze the scope, quality and utility of state program evaluations; (4) Examine the coordination of state evaluation activities; (5) Analyze the methods by which evaluation results are disseminated; and (6) Recommend improvements when necessary. In conducting the study, a total of 60 individuals were interviewed. These included staff in the Departments of Education and Finance, staff to several legislative committees, members of the State Board of Education, personnel in local education agencies, representatives of such groups as the California School Boards Association, the California Association of School Administrators, and the California Teachers Association, and individuals with expertise in evaluation from universities and private organizations in the state. The evaluation study interview questions, a list of evaluations and reports reviewed, the legislation which established the Educational Management and Evaluation Commission as part of the State Board of Education, and facts about commission membership are provided in the appendices. (Author/BJG)