What Is Program Evaluation?
Program evaluation is an applied research activity that assesses a program in comparison to a standard. It requires collection and analysis of data (information) through quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
Process evaluation can answer questions about program implementation, such as:
- Were program activities and services implemented as planned?
- Did the intended target population participate in the program, at the desired levels?
- How satisfied were participants and staff with the program content, methods, and materials?
It involves the collection of information about participant attendance and program, as well as satisfaction surveys or focus groups with staff and participants. Process evaluation can facilitate program improvement and also shed light on program outcomes.
Where can I get more information on how to conduct process evaluation?
Outcome evaluation can answer questions about program effects, such as:
- Did program participants' knowledge, attitudes, skills, intentions, behaviors, and/or health status change in the desired direction and to the expected degree, or achieve a desired benchmark?
- Are these findings the result of program participation or other factors?
It requires collecting data from program participants before and after program participation. Data should also be collected at the same time from a comparison group of similar youth who do not participate in the program.
Where can I get more information on how to conduct outcome evaluation?
Outcome evaluation is often unsuccessful because it is undertaken because the program:
- Does not have well-defined goals/objectives.
- Is not based on scientifically established best practices.
- Is not being implemented as planned.
- Is not obtaining target population participation at the desired levels.
- Has insufficient resources to carry out the evaluation appropriately and completely.
Thus, to avoid wasting resources, it is important to assess a program's outcome evaluation readiness (i.e., considering factors such as those listed above) before undertaking outcome evaluation.
Where can I get more information on how to assess outcome evaluation readiness?
Why is Program Evaluation important to prevention programming?
- You can know if your goals/objectives are being met.
- It can help ensure maximum program effectiveness by identifying areas of strength and weakness.
- It can help enhance your standing with various constituents (e.g., parents, community members, policy-makers).
- It permits accountability to funders and can help secure new funding
- It can help influence policy-makers.
- It increases information about best practices
Program Evaluation Case Study
Program Evaluation Links to Resources
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For questions about this information, contact Emily S. Holder (608) 267-9170
Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:30 AM
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