American Evaluation Association

The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is a nonprofit international professional association for evaluators. AEA’s publications, conferences, and topical interest groups (TIGs) deal with program evaluation, personnel evaluation, and other forms of evaluation designed to assess the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, personnel, and organizations. As of January 2016, AEA comprised approximately 7,000 members from all 50 U.S. states and over 60 other countries. Members include evaluators, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders. This entry provides an overview of AEA’s creation and mission; organization; establishment of professional guidelines for evaluators; and professional development opportunities, collaboration with other organizations, and awards for members.