Evaluation Models

The author of this issue identifies, analyzes and judges twenty-two evaluation approaches thought to cover most program evaluation efforts, providing unique assistance to evaluators faced with choosing an appropriate and valid approach for a particular situation. He describes each approach-its orientation, purpose, typical questions being addressed and methods, and rates them in each of the four areas previously defined by the Joint Committee Program Evaluation Standards: utility, feasibility, propriety and accuracy. Controversially, he concludes that there are only nine methods that merit continued use and development. The standards-based metaevaluation checklist used by the author is included so that readers can judge the validity of his process and conclusions, or use the checklist themselves.This is the 89th issue of the quarterly journal New Directions for Evaluation.