Session 1

Introduction to Program Evaluation:

Boulmetis & Dutwin, Ch1; Emison, Ch1; NOAA Evaluation Guide p. 2-7 and EPA/NCEI Guidelines for Evaluating an Environmental Program, p. i-v and p. 1-6; CDC Workbook, p.1-4; Kirkpatrick's Four-Level Training Evaluation Model

Topics:

• Rationale for evaluating programs - "Why?"
• Defining "evaluation."
• Program evaluation and performance measurement.
• Performance measurement versus program evaluation.
• Assessing efficiency, effectiveness and program impact.
• Government by performance.
• Types of program evaluation - process, outcome, cost-benefit; impact.
• Evaluating alternatives and initiating improvement.
• Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation.
• The C4 approach to program evaluation.
• Defining programs.
• Key steps in a CDC styled evaluation plan
• Participatory planning.

Homework:

1. Answer the three questions posed at the beginning of Chapter 1 of The ABC's of Evlauation (see page 23).
2. What is the rationale for program evaluation?
3. Define participatory planning.
4. Describe the "key steps" in a CDC style evaluation plan.
5. Distinguish between " process, outcome, cost-benefit; impact."
6. Describe Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation.
7. What is the C4 approach?
8. Distinguish between performance measurement and program evaluation.

NOTE: Submit the questions with your answers in World format as attachments to Canvas email and submit this homework - complete with APA citations and references - to the instructor by no later than 5 pm on the last day of Session 1 (as designated on the course schedule page that is linked above).