Program Evaluation
Training and technical assistance in Program Evaluation will be provided in community-wide basic services and comprehensive services formats. Typical topic areas will include:
- The Process of Evaluation: Why, When, and What to Evaluate. This basic training services forum will assist requesting entities in identifying and overcoming barriers to evaluation of their organization and its programs and activities. Information will be shared as to why it is necessary to gather and analyze information about programs and their possible effects upon the targeted population. The necessity for evaluation from the viewpoint of the organization and its Board of Directors, from the vantage point of the client’s needs, and the requirements of potential funding agencies will be discussed. Knowledge transfer of the commonly used program evaluation methods and how to develop a program evaluation strategy are anticipated outcomes of the training.
- The Process of Evaluation: Tools and Techniques. This ‘how to evaluate” seminar will be provided in a comprehensive services format, with capacity-building technical assistance and training provided to enhance skills development in requesting organizations for developing and implementing a program evaluation strategy. Various techniques used for collecting and analyzing evaluation data from both primary and secondary sources will be understood by the Board, CEO, and key staff. Primary (newly collected) data sources to be reviewed will include the quantitative KABB (knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behavior) study technique and its use in the collection and analysis of program evaluation data. The design of qualitative techniques that are widely used in program evaluation will also be studied and understood. These include focus group research, in-depth interviews with key informants and other individuals, and participant observations. Major sources of secondary (already existing) data that can inform program evaluation will be identified and discussed. These include program administrative records; program budgets that allow cost/benefit calculations; information about participants; type and quantity of education materials produced and distributed; out-reach efforts; special events records; and local, state, or nationally published surveillance and epidemiology data on the targeted population or program.
- The Processes of Evaluation: Selecting an Evaluator and Evaluation Methodologies. This training is designed to equip participants with basic knowledge relative to the selection of an evaluation methodology and evaluator to ensure proper evaluation of the processes and expected outcomes of programs and activities. The correlation between the selection of data collection and analysis techniques and how they fit together in the overall research design will be discussed. The processes and protections to be employed in selecting an evaluator will be a point of emphasis of the training.