Formative evaluation is discussed as it relates to educational television (ETV). Formative evaluation, used to improve a project during its development, is especially valuable in the production of television programs. Methods useful in the formative evaluation of ETV are: (1) try-out studies; (2) learner verification and revision; (3) self-formative evaluation; (4) needs assessment; (5) content analysis; and (6) goal-free evaluation. The ETV components being evaluated include the idea, rationale, content, script, and pilot programs. Advice should be solicited from experts in subject matter fields as well as educators, psychologists, and technical experts. Criteria for formative evaluation of ETV include cognitive and affective criteria as well as those of the medium itself. A model is presented for the ETV formative evaluation process. The experience of the Children's Television Workshop illustrates the concepts of formative evaluation. (SLD)