Noting that present evaluation systems are so limited that they are neither reliable nor valid, this monograph critically reviews studies designed to evaluate composition programs at four major universities. The book offers theoretical and practical guidance through discussion of generalities from the four studies and pertinent questions and guidance to evaluators of composition programs. The first chapter looks at the state of the art of evaluating writing programs, discussing the need for such evaluation, and at two dominant approaches to writing program evaluation. The second chapter discusses a quantitative model of writing program evaluation in terms of four university studies, giving an overview of the dominant quantitative approach. Chapter 3 discusses a framework for evaluating college writing programs, including five components of writing program evaluation, and the final chapter discusses accommodating context and change in writing program evaluation. (HTH)