Roles of the Evaluator in Innovative Programs

This article describes the role of the evaluator in planning and implementing an evaluation study of a new program to train school administrators in performance appraisal skills. Models developed by Chelimsky (1987) concerning the political continuum an evaluator follows and by Rossi and Freeman (1985) concerning the evaluation of innovative pro grams are used to analyze the role of the evaluator in affecting utilization. The case illustrates the similarities and differences between the federal, policy-level programs discussed by Chelimsky and locally based programs with both program and policy-level audiences. Further, the case demonstrates the broadened role of the evaluator in assisting in planning and developing an innovative program.