B19. Evaluating Education

Above all, evaluation is the discernment of good.

Formal evaluation studies discern only some of the good that exists.

Some good can be considered as "given," not needing justification other than evidence of a substantial belief that it is a desired entity in a society.

Evidence may at times show that education is not being carried out well or that the popular belief in education is unwarranted.

Education’s good and bad should not be thought to be limited to what can be discerned by formal evaluation.

Its good is discerned not only by its effects and the quality of its provision but, in a supportive society, by its existence.

Evaluators have an ethical obligation to avoid having their inquiry alone, as distinct from the findings of their inquiry, influence the standing of the entity evaluated.

It would be unethical practice for evaluators to imply that any body of education is unworthy of support because formal evaluation discerns no effects.