Johns Hopkins University School of Education

Johns Hopkins University

Evaluation Overview

Evaluation Leaders…

Michael Scriven: Claremont Graduate UniversityDavid Fetterman: Stanford University Medical School

DefinitionThe identification, clarification, and application of defensible

criteria to determine an evaluation object’s value (worth or merit) in relation to those criteria.

Examining and judging to determine value…

Evaluation Overview

Evaluation uses inquiry and judgment methods, including:1. Determining standards for judging quality and deciding

whether those standards should be relative or absolute,2. Collecting relevant information, and3. Applying the standards to determine value, quality, utility,

effectiveness, or significance.

Evaluation leads to recommendations intended to optimize the evaluation object in relation to its intended purpose(s) or to help stakeholders determine whether the evaluation object is worthy of adoption, continuation, or expansion.

Evaluation Overview

Research vs. Evaluation

Research Evaluation

Purpose Add knowledge to the field: grow theory

Help stakeholders make a judgment or decision

Who sets the agenda Researcher defines hypotheses

Stakeholders in collaboration with evaluator

Generalizability of results

Designed to be generalizable

Designed to report on a specific context

Criteria Internal validity: causalityExternal validity: generalizability

Accuracy: accurate reflection of realityUtility: practical informationFeasibility: evaluation is realistic, prudent, frugalPropriety: legal, ethical

Preparation Trained in depth in a single field

Interdisciplinary training

Informal vs. Formal Evaluation

We evaluate everyday!

Informal evaluations occur all the time… however, they often lack: breadth and depth systematic procedures formally collected evidence

Informal evaluations can be influenced by experience, instinct, generalization, and reasoning.

Purposes of Evaluation

According to Mark, Henry, and Julnes (1999), evaluation has 4 main purposes:

1. Assessment of merit and worth2. Oversight and compliance3. Program and organizational

improvement,4. Knowledge development

Formative vs. Summative Evaluation

Formative: Provides information for program

improvement

Summative: Provides information to serve decisions

or assist

Activity…

Formative vs. Summative Evaluation Activity

Internal vs. External Evaluation

Internal (employees/members): More familiar with organization and program history Knows decision-making style of organization Is present to remind others of results now and in the

future Can communicate technical results more frequently

and clearly External (outside organization)

Can bring greater credibility, perceived objectivity Typically brings more breadth and depth of technical

expertise Has knowledge of how other similar organizations

and programs work

Discussion

Describe a situation in which an internal evaluator would be more appropriate than an external evaluator. What is the rationale for your choice?

Now Describe a situation in which an external evaluator might be more appropriate.

Trends in Program Evaluation

Increasing priority and legitimacy of internal evaluation Expanded use of qualitative methods Strong shift toward multiple and diverse methods in program

evaluation (mixed methods approach) Increased use of program evaluation by foundations and

other agencies in the not for profit sector Increased education and involvement of stakeholders in

evaluation to empower them, increase buy in Advances in technology make evaluation more accessible Performance measurement in the federal government and

not for profit organizations Increase in standards-based assessment in education as a

means of tracking performance Growth of evaluation internationally

Empowerment Evaluation• Critical Friend or Coach—be on their side but politely

pose questions to help refine and improve

• Cycles of Reflection and Action—provide data to inform decision making, then act on it

• Culture of Evidence—develop a pattern of data collection and documentation to support positions

• Community of Learners—encourage peers to learn together

• Reflective Practitioner—thoughtfully consider data to guide practical day-to-day activities

Setting Goals: Creating a Road Map

Mission Vision and Value Statements Project Goals, Objectives, and Indicators

of Success Theory of Change Logic Model

Goals…

MUST BE

S.M.A.R.T

S.M.A.R.T Goals

Activity

See you all Next Week!