Assignment:
Activity: Selecting a Suitable Program for Evaluation
Overvew
In next week's assignment you start the first of your four-part Program Evaluation Plan by describing and analyzing important aspects of your chosen program. This activity requires you to first choose a program and then describe it.
Preparation
Selecting the proper program to evaluate is a critical step in creating a successful evaluation plan. Select a K-12 program that you are interested in, would like to see evaluated, and most importantly, is accessible-that is, one that you are able to readily obtain information about that will allow you to complete all aspects of the project as described in the Course Project description. Failing to do this will likely make your work more difficult.
Possible programs include, but are not limited to:
? Student or teacher assessment.
? Pay for student achievement.
? New teacher or employee training.
? Online learning.
? Anti-bullying.
? Gender equity for girls in math and science.
? School-to-work, retention of at-risk students.
? Schools of choice (charter schools).
The following resources provide information on types of program evaluations:
? Types of Program Evaluations.
? Types of Evaluation.
Instructions
Identify your program (and provide a Web link to it if available) in a Word document, and briefly describe it, making sure to include the following:
? Program Type: Formative, summative, process, outcomes, and impact.
? Target Population: Grade, age, gender, ethnicity, and special needs.
? Mission and Philosophy.
? Program Leadership: Briefly list major program stakeholders and their credentials.
Program partners, if any.
Assignment - Project Part 1: Program Description and Initial Assessment
Overview
In last week's activity, you identified and provided a brief description of your chosen program. In this assignment, Part 1 of your Evaluation Project, you drill down to create a more detailed description and an initial assessment of your chosen program.
Instructions
Provide a 3 to 4 page description and initial assessment of your chosen program and the challenges and opportunities facing it. Do the following:
? Describe the program's primary purpose and expected outcomes.
? Create a detailed and accurate depiction of the department or entity responsible for administering the program by describing each of the following elements:
? Role-how the department of entity fits into the larger organization.
? Staffing-personnel, duties, and qualifications.
? Scope of Work-describe the work needed to accomplish the mission.
? Funding-briefly identify budget and sources available to the program.
? Analyze the program to describe two primary ways it could benefit from an evaluation.
? Describe the most significant challenge to conducting your evaluation and an effective way to address it.
Resources
? One of your resources should be your textbook.
? Use at least three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. For help with research, writing, and citations, access the library or review library
guides.
This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
? Justify the selection of a program to undergo a program evaluation.