Task Force members reviewed relevant documents from other professional societies, and then independently prepared and circulated drafts of material for use in this report. Progress reports were presented at every AEA board meeting during 1993. The Task Force considered all this feedback in a December 1993 conference call, and prepared a final draft in January 1994. This draft was presented and approved for membership vote at the January 1994 AEA board meeting. Given the diversity of interests and employment settings represented on the Task Force, it is noteworthy that Task Force members reached substantial agreement about the following five principles.
Evaluators conduct systematic, data-based inquiries about whatever is being evaluated.
Evaluators provide competent performance to stakeholders. Evaluators ensure the honesty and integrity of the entire evaluation process. Evaluators respect the security, dignity and self-worth of the respondents, program participants, clients, and other stakeholders with whom they interact. Evaluators articulate and take into account the diversity of interests and values that may be related to the general and public welfare. These five principles are elaborated in Section III of this document.