This course examines different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, process evaluation, impact and outcome evaluation, and cost analysis. The course has two major parts: 1) Students will develop a program evaluation plan that identifies appropriate program evaluation questions, develops designs suitable for addressing the program evaluation questions, 2) Utilizing the existing community agency’s data, students will learn how to accurately analyze the data, and effectively present the findings in written form, while being sensitive to the political and interpersonal contexts in which the evaluation takes place. In addition, students will explore the role of evaluators, funders, program staff, and stakeholders in planning, implementing, and responding to program evaluation.

Apply critical thinking skills within the context of program evaluation., Use ethical research standards and principles appropriate to program evaluation in the community., Evaluate research methods based on relevant knowledge and skills associated with age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation., Evaluate research studies relevant to the student’s practicum setting., Apply research findings to enhance community-based practice., Define the criteria for appropriate use of research designs for program evaluation research., Select from a variety of evaluation research designs and apply them to the appropriate program context.,