The Basics of Program Evaluation: Step by Step

Instructor: Dr. Mark W. Lipsey

Description: This course focuses on design of program evaluation for human service programs in such areas as education, mental health, crime, poverty, employment, etc. A step-by-step approach is used starting with formulation of questions the evaluation should address and continuing with overviews of approaches for answering those questions. It is organized around the key concepts in program evaluation design and methods for application of the concepts to actual program situations, e.g., assessing need for a program; assessing program design and theory; assessing program process and implementation; assessing program outcome/impact; and assessing program cost and efficiency. The format will be a mix of presentation, discussion of concepts, and application exercises using case study materials. (Participants in this class and/or the one on Outcome and Impact Assessment will each receive one copy of the new 7th Edition (Sage, 2003) Rossi et al. text, Evaluation: A Systematic Approach.)

Note: This course will be an introduction to evaluation for persons familiar with social science research, but unfamiliar with evaluation, and a refresher course for evaluators who wish to review current practice and concepts.

Certificates: CEP IA.b and CQEM III.a