Program Evaluation Planning Taylor-Powell, E., Steele, S., & Douglah, M. (1996). Planning a program evaluation. Retrieved from University of Wisconsin-Extension-Cooperative Extension, Program Development and Evaluation Unit Web site: tml tml

Preparation is key Thorough background investigation is necessary for a successful evaluation Even with goals free and naturalistic approaches Just as important if you know or are a part of the organization/program

Before you get started Management of the Evaluation – Ethics/protection – Timeline Gantt chart – Responsibilities – Budget

Engage Stakeholders Who is impacted by the program? Who might be impacted by the program? Who delivers the program? Funders? Participants? General population?

Focus the Evaluation What is being evaluated? Create a logic model. Purpose of the evaluation. Uses of the final product. – Who – How What questions will you ask? What model or theory fits the evaluation?

Collect the Data Data sources? – Previous evaluation – Records material – People Different methods. – Survey – Interview – Observation

Analyze and Interpret Who does this part? What methods will you use? What does your data say or mean? – To the program – To the participants – To the funders

Sharing (Use of the Information) Who sees the results? How are they shared? – , Town hall, Brochures How are the results used? Must make recommendations or give direction or you do not have an evaluation

Standards Maintain commitment to ethics throughout. Responsible use of evaluation data and results. – Utility – Feasibility – Propriety – Accuracy