The Process of Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is a skill that requires for skilled people to conduct an evaluation that is credible. My reason for taking this class was to gain the basic understanding of the program evaluation. As I became involved in the readings and class assignments I discovered a profound level of respect for this application. I uncovered that evaluations should dedicate thoughtfulness to all stakeholders who are invested in the program and affected by its evaluation. This process allows a full range of people and groups to take part in the evaluation; this is also a way to identify and develop the needs of stakeholders. Evaluation should be integrated throughout the preliminary phases of program development. A preliminary phase of the evaluation process is to define the program in-depth detail. This collective endeavor can generate a mutual understanding of the program and the evaluation process. In the environment in which I work this is an unknown process, program evaluation happens at the end of the year. In most cases, most programs are unsuccessful because of the fact of having unrealistic goals and outcomes. Evaluations can be formative and summative. Formative evaluations are conducted in the development and implementation phase of the program. This process can be beneficial because it provides with information on how to best attain the goals or make changes to the program. Summative evaluations happen when the programs are well instituted and inform on to what degree the program is attaining its outcomes and goals (Patton, 1987).
Evaluations are generally concerned with the effectiveness of programs. However, good judgment evaluation has an incredibly extensive chronicle; evaluation research t...
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... the questions influence the work of the program and in the evaluation. Allowing the stakeholders be included in the development and planning, will create opportunities for the program to be effective in meeting the program outcomes (Alkin, 2011).
In conclusion Selecting evaluation questions that will bring about consideration to the framework of the program, stakeholders and community members will create trust with all parties involved in the evaluation process. The trust will facilitate the evaluator to conduct an evaluation that depicts on the understanding and capacities of all stakeholders. This process will also allow for an evaluation strategy that supports the goals and outcomes of the program and will also evaluate the programs strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation of the program will indicate what changes and improvements are needed in the program.
Royse, David, Thyer, Bruce A., and Padgett, Deborah K.. "Chapter 6." Program Evaluation: An …..Introduction. 5th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson, (2006): 141-150
If conducted well, the participant-oriented approach can offer the buy-in needed to remove the stigma of the evaluation process. Using this approach can provide stakeholders “with self knowledge and skills and an understanding of the power arrangements concerning their program and their locality” (Fitzpatrick et al., 2011, p.201). As stated by Cousins and Earl (1992) using key personnel capable of making decisions and who have a strong connection to the program can augment the usefulness and promote the actual use of the evaluation. It can also promote trust in the process and serve to remove any political stigma that may arise.
...rn, this is the time to put a plan in place to make a change. This could be restructuring the entire evaluation process or seeking educational opportunities for those in need. For decades evaluations have been so tied to monetary compensation for the employee that the organization has lost sight of the opportunity for change and development that they present.
Owen JM. Program evaluation : forms and approaches / by John M. Owen: St Leonards, N.S.W. : Allen & Unwin, 2006.
Reflecting on the effectiveness of the assessment. How well did the assessment meet the stated purpose? Were there any biases realized in the assessment?
Our Session Long Project (SLP) for Module 1 transforms the evaluation essay into a job evaluation. The type of job evaluation used in this SLP identifies the responsibilities of the job and bases the individual’s performance on these responsibilities. What does this mean to the employee; it means that if they understand the responsibilities of their job they are better able to perform it to the satisfaction of the evaluator. However employees who are not informed of their responsibilities can invalidate your evaluation process very quickly and wreck havoc in any organization.
During and post the data collection phase of this program evaluation; the program evaluation staff will compile the data in several ways. The program evaluation will be relatively brief given the small number of program participants, staff and financial amounts of financial information involved. No interim reports will be necessary as the process will be succinct. There will only be one email sent to the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, advising them the questionnaires have been sent out and the evaluation staff is waiting for their responses to proceed with that portion of the evaluation.
The agency I decided to write my program evaluation paper on was the Orangeburg- Calhoun- Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency. I chose this agency because it dealt with Head Start. Head Start has played a role in the lives of my nieces and
Identifying stakeholders and collaborators is the second step to the “Nine Step Stairway to Effective Evaluation”. Although all steps are essential, this is probably the most important because an extensive review of who is involved and who will be affected by the evaluation is identified (DiClemente et al., 2013). Once identified, it is critical to note that there may be needs or issues that may need to be addressed from all those involved so it would behoove one to be open to suggestions. Bottom line is to collaborate (DiClemente et al., 2013).
Needs assessments are imperative to the success of a project. They are an essential part of the planning process. A need assessment guides the administrators as they define the terms of the project. A needs assessment is defined as, “a systematic approach to studying the state of knowledge, ability, interest, or attitude of a defined audience or group involving a particular subject” (McCawley, 2009, p. 3). An effective needs assessment provides insight, information, is objective, and assists in identifying gaps in services.
program, as well as what the committees’ challenges will be, in order to lay out the
There are several types of evaluations used by public and non-public organizations. Unusually, performance evaluations consist of the employee and the supervisor. However, the 360 Degree Performance requires more than the supervisor’s perspective. It should also include the co-worker’s point of view (by answering a simple set of questions). This evaluation enforces accountability and produces self-worth and a sense of fairness. Many performance evaluations are limited. However, in using the 360 Degree Performance as a measuring tool, it has been found to be a more accurate way to evaluate an employee’s work performance.
There are several reasons organizations initiate performance evaluations, however the standard purpose for performance evaluations is to discuss performance expectations; not only from the employers perspective but to engage in a formal collaboration where the employee and the manager are both able to provide feedback in a formal discourse. There are many different processes an organization should follow when developing its performance evaluation tool; in addition essential characteristics that must accompany an effective performance appraisal process. I will discuss in detail the intent of a performance evaluation, the process an organization should follow in using its performance evaluation tool, along with the characteristics of an effective
Before understanding how to evaluate curriculum we must first know why we should evaluate any curriculum. The reasons are:
Participation can be seen as “the inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholder contributions in an on-going community development process, from identification of problem areas, to the development, implementation and management of strategic planning” (Schafft and Greenwood, 2003, p. 19).