The definition of evaluation as the collection and interpretation of systematic information about the effectiveness of alternative educational practices suggests several functions of evaluation in education, including: (1) Assessment of the needs of learners, (2) evaluation of program plans, (3) assessment of congruence between plans and actual practice, (4) improvement of operating programs, and (5) certification of operating programs. To the neglect of the first four functions, evaluations of ESEA Title I programs have been primarily restricted to the program certification function. Five proposals are advanced for improving the evaluation of compensatory educational programs; these include the adoption and dissemination, by the U.S. Office of Education, of guidelines for evaluation and a requirement by that office that explicit evaluation designs accompany program proposals. Other suggestions are concerned with the training of evaluation personnel and the development of criterion measures. (Author/JH)