Time Schedule:
Rachel G. Kleit
PB AF 526
Seattle Campus
Theory, practice, and politics of evaluation, from simple feedback mechanisms to evaluation of large-scale ongoing programs and social experiments. Emphasis on applications of experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation. Case studies illustrate various types of evaluation. Prerequisite: PB AF 527
Class description
public or non-profit programs and policies. Evaluation is increasingly required by funders and policy makers concerned with accountability and efficient use of public or philanthropic resources. In addition, many governments and organizations have built the logic of evaluation into their work through systems of performance management and monitoring. This course will introduce you to the framework of evaluation, the development of plans for formative and summative evaluations, and the data collection tools for implementing evaluation. We will draw on your knowledge of organizational design, management, statistics, and data analysis. In addition, we will explore the role of evaluators, funders, program staff, and stakeholders (powerful and less so) in planning, implementing, and responding to program evaluation.
Student learning goals
Understand the purposes and logic of program evaluation
Apply principles of research design to evaluation questions
Explore and consider qualitative and quantitative data collection methods for evaluation
Understand the processes of evaluation and best practices for participation of stakeholders
General method of instruction
Lecture and class discussion.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assign. 1: Evaluating the Evaluation (2-3 pages) 15% Assign. 2: Evaluation questions and program theory (4-5 pages) 20% Assign. 3: Data Collection plan and instrument (4-5 pages + appendices) 20% Final Evaluation Plan (10-12 pages)30% Class Participation 15%
