The overall purpose of this evaluative project was to improve the administrative and programmatic aspects of public adult and continuing education programs in Illinois--particularly those funded under public law 91-230 (The Adult Education Act). A second major purpose was to provide a model for future evaluative efforts. Twenty local programs were evaluated, selected on a basis of size, geographic distribution, and balance of public school district and community college sponsorship. (Nine were operated by community colleges.) The general approach adopted was that of collaborative appraisal by local program staff members and by outside persons with demonstrated expertise in adult education. Within the study emphasis was put on (l) self-study by those evaluated, (2) gathering useful data only, (3) putting data into usable form, (4) disseminating the findings to Illinois program directors, (5) helping adult-education personnel develop evaluative skills, and (6) demonstrating the pay off for evaluation. General findings are presented with summary, recommendations, and questionnaire responses under the eight criteria selected for appraisal: (1) Curriculum and Instruction, (2) Intra-Institutional Relationships, (3) Extra-Institutional Relationships, (4) Professionalism, (5) Evaluation and Follow-Up, (6) Physical Facilities, (7) Efficiency and Accountability, and (8) Supporting Services. Programs evaluated are listed in the appendices along with questionnaires and other instruments used. (WL)