Overview Program Evaluation Essay

First, would look at my measurement method to make sure that it is reliable and valid. Making sure that the measurements are representing the people and the program accurately, enough sample size is use to represent the program, and make sure there is no participants contamination. Second, the time from when the program started and when the evaluation process starts can also show that the program have no impact. It takes a long time for programs to work out the kink and bumps along the way and sometimes having an evaluation conducted within a year will not show the program at its full potential. There is also the sleeper effect where the program will not show impact until a much later time. Having an open and clear communication with the stakeholders will let me know what they are looking in the program evaluation so that I can focus on those aspects to make sure I use accurate

The plan states goals and sets multiple performance objectives according to that goal. The goals are divided in to sections that coincide with departments. Within each department, the evaluation is based on related sections of the strategic plan. The program evaluations use various forms of measurement, comparing them to the target figure that meets the objective. “Activities” based performance measures are primarily in the General Government departments while the Community Development and Public Safety departments base their evaluations on outcomes.

Participant-oriented evaluation is, in my opinion an exceptional methodology used to evaluate a program, organization, or policy. Through the incorporation of participants the evaluator is able to collect, analyze, and generate in-depth findings. It is imperative to note that participant-oriented evaluation approaches share a common similarity, as they all incorporate the use of stakeholders (Fitzpatrick, Sanders & Worthen, 2011). However, each approach intends to use the stakeholders to acquire diverse results. Participant-oriented evaluations encompass the following approaches: responsive evaluation, naturalistic evaluation, practical participatory evaluation, developmental evaluation, empowerment evaluation and democratic evaluation.

The program evaluation begins with the program design to assess overall effectiveness and efficiency of implementation of the program (Calley, 2011). To illustrate the program evaluation, a theoretical framework has been developed using Calley’s Comprehensive Program Development Model’s for the proposed program, using the three major evaluations: fidelity assessment, process evaluation, outcomes evaluation.

Funding is one of the most fundamental aspects with regards to providing social services in any setting. Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. (CASW) is a non-profit organization that runs programming both on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and the Soundview area in the Bronx. As a result of my field placement with Ittleson Center pending, I will be evaluating CASW. The program specifically, I will explore in this paper is Opportunity Youth Program (OYP) this is a Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) initiative Pilot Program that is entering in its third year in NYC. CASW as an agency lacks one specific measurement tool with regards to evaluating effectiveness of all of their programs. However, both DYCD auditors and CASW OYP staff assess the level of participant success using a combination of Standardized Self-Report Scales and Pre and Post Test Evaluation. Though, I comprehend the purpose of evaluating a program for the sake of funding, I also consider evaluation of services/programs to be useful to provide comparative data on program performances and to provide higher quality service for the participants/communities it services.

Program evaluation is the process of collecting information about a program in order to make decisions about it. Including an evaluation plan shows that you take your objectives seriously and want to know how well you have achieved them. More and more foundations and donors expect to see an evaluation component in the programs they fund.

Evaluation is “decisive assessment of defined objectives, based on set of criteria to solve a given problem.” Evaluation mainly serves three purposes: to compare results with the goals and excepted effects of the system, to direct work towards the expected result with the help of formative evaluation during development and introduction of the system, to use the finding and outcomes of the evaluation process as an experience base for future projects(Ammenwerth, Gräber, Herrmann, Bürkle, & König, 2003).Whereas, some define evaluation as the systematic process of information collection about program activities and features to judge and enhance its effectiveness. Evaluation leads to the settled opinion that something about the program is the case, which may lead to a decision to act in a certain way(Institute, 2007). The process Evaluation describes the implementation of an information source and judging the merits and worth which includes

There are several different ways to evaluate the program. A process evaluation can be done to unveil how the program was implemented, and if it was implemented in the way it was intended (Savage, Kub, & Groves, 2016). The program’s outcomes can be evaluated to measure if the obesity rates of the target population improved, and if this improvement was due to the intervention. Lastly, informative evaluations can be conducted to measure if the materials such as the brochures and training kits, were

Program evaluation is an important tool to show that the health interventions have been effective and they also intend to improve the health

This project required me to not just read about program evaluation, but to apply the ideas I have learned about. I now see how difficult it is to appreciate what program evaluation is, and what is involved in the process, without some (even hypothetical) experience. The two realizations that have had the biggest impact on me are: 1. the shift in thinking from research to evaluation; and 2. the sheer amount of information that is required for a program evaluation.

The purpose of a program evaluation is to assess working programs and determine if the outcomes are sufficiently effective (Houser, 2015). Program Evaluations are a type of action research leading to improved programs and services for the designated populations. Feedback from stakeholders is necessary to confirm the program is operating to the highest quality and standards (Astramovich & Coker, 2007).

The group determined the goals set up at the beginning of the program and designed a methodology to answer if the goals were met through a set of mixed research methods. The strengths of the study included that the research methods were mixed, ethical measures were kept, and one of the two evaluation studies for summative evaluations were implemented. The evaluation design did have weakness as well and may have resulted due to funding. Weakness of program design included not using an impact assessment, not using statistical analysis, and lack of follow

In the words of Bryan Rayner, “We always have to be on our toes and be alert and ready,”(n.d). Since Utilization-focused evaluation does not operate under textbook conditions but can be complex the evaluator has an obligation to make changes when necessary. Change can mean stepping out of your comfort zone and into the discomfort of uncertainty. But an evaluator goal and mission is to provide accurate and credible findings. If goals and intended outcome of Utilization-focused evaluation is the focus then the evaluators and primary intended users will determine those goals to be evaluated. But not all goals-based evaluation will be useful for every program. Some programs merit formative and summative evaluation, but others seek alternatives

According to Howlett, et. al., there are four types of evaluations (Benchmark Evaluation, Formative Evaluation, Summative Evaluation and Impact or Outcome Evaluation.) My organization has opted to utilize the Benchmark Evaluation type. Howlett, et. al., describes the Benchmark Evaluation as follows, “before you begin your work, you must document the current situation so that measurements taken during and after project implementation can be compared to the starting point.” (Baseline) (p.124)

Participant-oriented approaches to evaluation at present include many different models, but they share one thing in common that they all use stakeholders in the program to assist in conducting the evaluation. However, they may use them to attain different goals and employ in different ways. This mini paper will present three evaluation approaches that involving stakeholders in the evaluation process, which are participatory evaluation, developmental evaluation, and empowerment evaluation.