The implications of the lessons learned through an evaluability assessment (EA) of the Title II Basic Skills Improvement Program (BSIP) for State Education Agency (SEA) support of model demonstration programs are discussed. The purposes, methodology and uses of the EA process are presented. Also included is a discussion of the details of the American Institute for Research in the Behavioral Sciences (AIR's) recent evaluability assessment of BSIP. The effect of the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 on the program and on EA are considered. Those BSIP experiences in administering model demonstration programs which are applicable to state program managers and policymakers are described. (Author/GK)