Program evaluation is defined as the process of gathering data about a program systematically, reliably, and validly for the purpose of making informed value judgments about the quality of the program components and operations and the impacts of the program, including its effectiveness in achieving its goals and objectives. The kinds of data collected to make those determinations can be formative (for the purpose of providing information to decision makers about the ongoing program operations and intermediate achievements of the goals of the program) or the data may be summative (judging the outcomes of program). Program evaluation is structured to ensure that once gifted programs are established, decision makers have systematic information about the effectiveness of the services offered in providing for the education and ...