Discussion Question
Types of Program Evaluation
There are many types of policy and program evaluations. There are variations in terminology, but the major types of evaluation typically involve the following: a) determining the need and requirement for a program; b) assessing whether a program is working the way it is supposed to work; and c) the impact of the program on the larger environment, both short and long term. For this Discussion, review this week's Learning Resources and select a case involving physical infrastructure or economic development.
Post a brief description of the project and explain the type of evaluation employed in the case. Explain whether this was a needs assessment, formative, process, or summative (impact) evaluation and why. Describe the type of data used and whether comparisons were employed.
Readings
• Langbein, L. (2012). Public program evaluation: A statistical guide (2nd ed.). Armonk, NY: ME Sharpe.
o Chapter 1, "What This Book Is About" (pp. 3-20)
• McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., & Hawthorn, L. R. L. (2013). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
o Chapter 1, "Key Concepts and Issues in Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement" (pp. 1-40)
o Chapter 6, "Needs Assessments for Program Development and Adjustment" (pp. 225-266)
• Wall, J. E. (n.d.). Program evaluation model 9-step process.
• Justice Center: The Council of State Governments. (2012). Mentoring gang-involved youth: How Roca, Inc. combines mentoring and services in a high-risk intervention model.
• Justice Center: The Council of State Governments. (2014). Second Chance Act.