Program Evaluation in Practice: Core Concepts and Examples for Discussion and Analysis

Description

The lack of teaching cases in program evaluation is often cited as a gap in the field. This ground-breaking book fills this gap, covering the essentials of program evaluation as it is used in education and with a wide variety of evaluation projects to be discussed, analyzed, and reflected upon. The book covers the essentials of program evaluation, including foundation and types of evaluation, tools for collecting data, writing of reports, and sharing of findings. Individual cases cover classroom instruction, community-based program, teacher training, professional development, a secondary-school based program, after-school program, reading achievement, school-improvement grant, and confidentiality. Each case is structured to include learning objectives, program description, evaluation plan, summary of evaluation activities and findings, key concepts, discussion questions, class activities, and suggested reading. As useful for students as it is for evaluators in training, Program Evaluation in Practice is a must-have for those aspiring to become effective evaluators. Program Evaluation in Practice: Core Concepts and Examples for Discussion and Analysis Contents List of Tables, Figures, Exhibits, and Boxes Preface Acknowledgments The Author Part One: Introduction Chapter One: Foundations of Program Evaluation What is Program Evaluation? Internal and External Evaluators How to Use This Book The Evaluation Objective Designing and Developing an Evaluation Matrix Data Collection Triangulation of Data Writing the Evaluation Report Dissemination and Use of Evaluation Findings Summary Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Two: Ethics in Program Evaluation and an Overview of Evaluation Approaches Ethics in Program Evaluation What is an Evaluation Approach? Objectives-Based Approach Decision-Based Approach Participatory Approach Consumer-Oriented Approach Expertise-Oriented Approach Eclectic Approach Summary Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Three: In-Depth Look at the Objectives-Based Approach to Evaluation Objectives-Based Approach How to Use Evaluation Objectives Summary Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Part Two: Case Studies Chapter Four: Improving Student Performance in Mathematics Through Inquiry-Based Instruction The Evaluator The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Five: Evaluation of a Community-Based Mentor Program The Evaluator The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Six: Teacher Candidates Integrating Technology into Their Student Teaching Experience The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Seven: Evaluation of a Professional Development Technology Project in a Low-Performing School District The Evaluator The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Eight: Expansion of a High School Science Program The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Nine: Evaluation of a Proven Practice for Reading Achievement The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Ten: Project Plan for Evaluation of a Statewide After-School Initiative The Evaluator The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Eleven: Evaluation of a Training Program in Mathematics for Teachers The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Twelve: An Evaluator-in-Training’s Work on a School Advocacy Program The Evaluator The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Thirteen: Evaluation of a School Improvement Grant to Increase Parent Involvement The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading Chapter Fourteen: Evaluating the Impact of a New Teacher Training Program The Evaluators The Program The Evaluation Plan Summary of Evaluation Activities and Findings Final Thoughts Key Concepts Discussion Questions Class Activities Suggested Reading References Index