Practical Program Evaluations

Introducing students to the real world of evaluation and focusing on issues that arise in professional practice, this book shows readers how to systematically identify stakeholders' needs in order to select the evaluation options best suited to meet those needs.

The second edition of Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation offers managers, analysts, consultants, and educators in government, nonprofit, and private institutions a valuable resource that outlines efficient and economical methods for assessing program results and identifying ways to improve program performance. The Handbook has been thoroughly revised. Many new chapters have been prepared for this edition, including chapters on logic modeling and on evaluation applications for small nonprofit organizations. The Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation is a comprehensive resource on evaluation, covering both in-depth program evaluations and performance monitoring. It presents evaluation methods that will be useful at all levels of government and in nonprofit organizations.

Program evaluation requires attention to rationality, rigor, and careful methods. Yet precision and accuracy alone do not guarantee that program evaluations will be implemented. This text hones in on the applied side of program evaluation presenting program evaluations that are used and improve public enterprises.

With the publication of Theory-Driven Evaluations, Huey-Tsyh Chen has given us an ambitious volume. . . . Indeed, it is the aspiration of this book to provide a conceptual framework that integrates the diverse approaches and paradigms of evaluation. For those of us accustomed to the rhetoric of the paradigm wars that have been raging in recent years, it is refreshing to find a text that works so assiduously at reconciliation. . . . There is much that is useful in Chen′s analysis. He gives us a full and thoughtful book that attempts no less than the construction of a conceptual framework for all of program evaluation. . . . It provides an impressive compendium of source material and references spanning not only evaluation, but related work in economics and public policy (this alone is worth the price of the book). . . . Chen′s Theory-Driven Evaluations provides a stimulating, even heroic attempt to bring some conceptual integration to a field that has been too long dominated by methodological paradigms and procedural particulars. --a prepublication review for Evaluation and Program Planning "Generous use of examples which are well selected and lucidly summarized." --Contemporary Sociology "Chen introduces a new, comprehensive framework for program evaluation that is designed to bridge the gap between method and theory-oriented perspectives. . . . For program planners, decision makers, scholars, and students, this volume clarifies, illuminates and provides unique insights into the conception, construction and implementation of a wide range of programs. . . . The research examples used in the discussion draw upon various areas, such as education, welfare, health, criminal justice, job training [and] family construction to attract a wider audience." --Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling Program evaluation has traditionally emphasized the application of social science research methods in evaluation activities. However, there is a growing awareness that program theory is vital for broadening the scope and enhancing the usefulness of program evaluation. In Theory-Driven Evaluations, Huey-Tsyh Chen introduces a new, comprehensive framework for program evaluation that is designed to bridge the gap between the method- and theory-oriented perspectives. He provides an intensive discussion of the nature and functions of program theory, approaches to constructing program theories, and the integration of program theory with evaluation processes. Specific types of theory-driven evaluations, as well as principles and guidelines for application are developed for meeting different policy purposes. Application of systematic strategies is illustrated by concrete examples from a variety of evaluation studies in different fields. The presentation of this new perspective directly addresses the needs and concerns in both the professional and applied areas of program evaluation. For program planners, decisionmakers, scholars and students, this volume will clarify, illuminate, and provide unique insights into the conception, construction, and implementation of a wide range of programs.

Concentrates on the steps vital to program evaluation, including systematically identifying stakeholder needs, selecting evaluation options best suited to particular needs, and turning decisions into action.

Practical Program Evaluation for Criminal Justice shows readers how to apply the principles of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and evidence-based practice to criminal justice reform plans. Unlike other policy-based texts, which tend to focus more on implementation than assessment, this book provides applicable, step-by-step instruction on determining an initiative's necessity prior to its adoption (reducing the risk of wasting resources), as well as how to accurately gauge its effectiveness during initial roll-out stages. The book gradually introduces basic data analysis procedures and statistical techniques, which, once mastered, can be used to prove or disprove a program's worth. Lastly, the book introduces the types of stakeholders who should review evaluation results for quick action, as well as how to best structure reports to ensure their buy-in. Individually examines every major evaluation type (as well as the benefits, concerns, and constraints of each), including needs, theory, process, outcome/impact, and cost efficiency Defines the precise data points each evaluation type requires, and the exact manner in which this data can be collected Demonstrates how different types of evaluations can be used together to provide clear information regarding a program's overall performance level Cites and makes use of real-world policy evaluations and vetted programs

This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies—many with reflective commentary from the evaluators—reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Useful pedagogical features include: *Examples of large- and small-scale evaluations from multiple disciplines. *Beginning-of-chapter reflection questions that set the stage for the material covered. *"Extending your thinking" questions and practical activities that help readers apply particular theoretical paradigms in their own evaluation projects. *Relevant Web links, including pathways to more details about sampling, data collection, and analysis. *Boxes offering a closer look at key evaluation concepts and additional studies. *Checklists for readers to determine if they have followed recommended practice. *A companion website with resources for further learning.

Foundations of Program Evaluationheralds a thorough exploration of the field of program evaluation--looking back on its origins. By summarizing, comparing, and contrasting the work of seven major theorists of program evaluation, this book provides an important perspective on the current state of evaluation theory and provides suggestions for ways of improving its practice. Beginning in Chapter Two, the authors develop a conceptual framework to analyze how successfully each theory meets the specific criteria of its framework. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to the presentation of the theoretical and practical advice of a significant theorist--Michael Scriven, Donald Campbell, Carol Weiss, Joseph Wholey, Robert Stake, Lee Cronbach, and Peter Rossi.