Washington Evaluating Retro Groups are multi-disciplinary teams of experts that are convened by the Washington State Legislature to evaluate the effectiveness of state programs. These evaluations focus on the program’s compliance with relevant laws and regulations, its cost-effectiveness, and the achievement of desired outcomes. The teams are composed of subject-matter experts from both the public and private sector, and include representatives from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The evaluation process is designed to ensure full public participation and transparency, and may include public hearings and stakeholder input. There are three types of Washington Evaluating Retro Groups: Program Evaluation, Performance Audits, and Program Reviews. Program Evaluations are comprehensive assessments of a program’s compliance with laws and regulations, cost-effectiveness, and achievement of desired outcomes. Performance Audits are assessments of a program’s effectiveness in producing desired outcomes, and may include recommendations for improvement. Program Reviews are a less thorough assessment designed to provide the Legislature with an overview of a program’s compliance with laws and regulations.