Program Evaluation in Practice: Core Concepts and Examples for Discussion and Analysis

Program Evaluation in Practice: Core Concepts and Examples for Discussion and Analysis, Second Edition,  provides guidance for new and would-be evaluators. It uses real-world examples, explained in writing clear enough that learners gain a great deal of helpful information while not being overwhelmed, thanks to manageable chapter lengths. Discussion questions and class activities at the end of each chapter help the students further process the information in that chapter and to integrate the information from the other chapters, thus facilitating the learning process for the students. Because there are few relevant or helpful teaching cases available for students learning program evaluation, this book provides a much needed tool for evaluation training. While focussed on education, the book is also useful for other programs cover program evaluation. Changes to this edition include identification in each chapter of what main evaluation approaches or theory is being addressed in each chapter, adding of more detail to cases and providing more in-depth description, updating of references and readings, examination of new Joint Committee Standards for Evaluation and make connections between text and the new standards, and addition of more background information about the evaluators in the cases. Three new cases cover cultural competency as well as programs in STEM, and i3. Contents: Part One: Introduction. 1. Foundations of Program Evaluation 2. Overview of Theories, Models, and Approaches Part Two: Case Studies. 2. Improving Student Performance in Mathematics Through Inquiry-Based Instruction. 3. Evaluation of a Community-Based Mentor Program. 4. Teacher Candidates Integrating Technology into Their Student Teaching Experience. 5. Evaluation of a Professional Development Technology Project in a Low-Performing School District. 6. Expansion of a High School Science Program. 7. Evaluation of a Proven Practice for Reading Achievement. 8. Project Plan for Evaluation of a Statewide After-School Initiative. 9. An Evaluation of a Training Program in Mathematics for Teachers. 10. Evaluators-In-Training: Issues of Confidentiality 11. Evaluation of a School Improvement Grant to Increase Parent Involvement. 12: Evaluation of cultural competency 13: Evaluation of I3 Grants (Department of Education Investing in Innovation grants) 14: Evaluation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition programs   15: Evaluation of Professional Development Via Webinars