Linking evaluation methods to the several phases of a program's life cycle can provide evaluation planners and funders with guidance about what types of evaluation are most appropriate over the trajectory of social and educational programs and other interventions. If methods are matched to the needs of program phases, evaluation can and should generate a continuously evolving body of evidence that is useful to program managers and administrators as they develop, improve, deliver, and spread more effective programs. This paper discusses a framework for evaluation planning that outlines the uses of evaluation methods during an extended period of program development, testing, delivery, and dissemination. It contains an initial article which provides an introductory overview of the framework and five commentaries. These commentaries provide examples of the application of the framework, and, in some instances, point out limitations in this approach to evaluation. (Contains 2 figures, 2 tables, and 2 notes.)