Many school districts lack in-place processes for planning and evaluating their programs. In addition, most practicing educators do not have much time to design and carry out program evaluations. This handbook provides a practical guide to program evaluation drawn from action-research principles. The book uses effective, low-cost practices that educators can use while continuing to perform their primary responsibilities. Chapter 1 examines the reasons for evaluating education programs and addresses the role that program evaluation plays in improving education practices and learning opportunities for students. It also lists qualities for a program evaluation and contrasts education research with program evaluation. Chapter 2 offers a 10-step evaluation process for developing, conducting, and concluding a program evaluation. "How-to-do-it" resources and suggestions are offered in chapter 3. The chapter offers tips for constructing a survey, conducting focus-group interviews, and using quantitative data measures and qualitative information sources. A sample survey is included. (Contains 18 references.) (LMI)