Why evaluate drug education?

"This publication provides some guidance to alcohol and drug education program administrators by clarifying the different levels of evaluation and the kinds of learning that can occur at each level. While it outlines the components and considerations for evaluation, it does not define a step-by-step procedure. In short, it serves as a diet rather than a recipe. A second objective for the publication is to take away the threatening overtones to the word "evaluation" by showing the benefits to be gained and by pointing out the value that negative findings have for the ultimate success of a program. This book contains four sections: Why Evaluate?; Guidelines for Impact Evaluation; Suggestions for Process Evaluation; and Evaluation of Drug Programs (synopses of some examples of evaluations of alcohol and drug education programs). The section of the book dealing with impact evaluation was developed by a task force sponsored by the Southern Regional Education Board project, Enhancing Drug Education in the South. The task force included State-level program directors, representatives from Federal agencies concerned with alcohol and drug education, and people with expertise in program evaluation."--ERIC abstract.