ERIC Number: ED404072
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1996
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Moving Ahead: Program Review & Evaluation As Tools for Growth.
Hendricks, Bruce
This paper outlines purposes of program evaluation and provides practical information to help individuals from a wide spectrum of backgrounds use evaluation to move their program ahead in a purposeful manner. Wisely moving ahead requires an assessment of an organization's past and present as well as an examination of its assumptions about the future. A program evaluation can address these areas and inform planning. Defined as the systematic "formal" assessment of a program's quality and effectiveness, evaluation should both point out program weaknesses and highlight strengths. Determining and communicating the main purpose of a program review is essential to evaluation effectiveness. Some purposes for a program review are categorized under accountability, program improvement, and information dissemination. Various models outline the large scale methods of program evaluation. Smaller scale methods, or data gathering tools, are listed. The outcome of any review is affected, not only by its purpose, but also by who conducts the review and who the intended consumers are. Potential roadblocks and problems are identified and listed, and a sample timeline is provided. Terms of reference are data gathering guidelines that provide agreed-upon parameters for the review process. A sample set of terms of reference drawn from a school's outdoor physical education program covers program dimensions, planning, balance, instructional strategies, student evaluation, intramural activities, professional development, and work environment. Eight program review tips and strategies are provided. (SV)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Information Analyses; Guides - Non-Classroom
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: In: Proceedings of the 1992 and 1993 Conferences on Outdoor Recreation; see RC 020 906.