Time Schedule:
Mary E. Shaw
SOC W 574
Seattle Campus
Focuses on carrying out a formative and process evaluation of a community program in conjunction with program staff and clients. In addition to learning about program theory, measurement construction, study design, and data analysis, students develop consultative and presentation skills needed in utilization-focused evaluation.
Class description
Feedback about one’s behavior has long been recognized as essential for motivation and learning. Program managers must know how to measure, collect, analyze, and communicate information on agency performance. They must be able to use data to enhance and support agency performance and serve the needs of the learning organization. This course provides an understanding of the analytical and interpersonal demands and nuances of the science and art of evaluation through practice with an organization in the community.
Student learning goals
Be aware of the information needs of program managers and recognize and respect the concerns of service providers whose work is being evaluated
Demonstrate effective use of collaborative and consultative skills when working with agency staff, the instructor and clients in designing and implementing a program evaluation.
Recognize ethnic minority, sexual minority and gender-related issues as they influence all phases of program evaluation including design, implementation, analysis and presentation of findings.
Identify the potential strengths and limitations of various evaluation designs and data gathering techniques.
Recognize ethical considerations involved in agency research including confidentiality, human subjects review, informed consent, and data sharing.
Demonstrate an ability to organize, design and effectively describe and discuss utilization focused evaluation findings that are responsive to the needs of program stakeholders.
General method of instruction
Guest speakers, lectures, required readings, classroom discussion, in-class group activities and evaluation activities with an agency in the community through group projects.
Recommended preparation
Interest in evaluation, interest in collaborative practice with an agency
Class assignments and grading
Class Participation & Homework, Practicum/Agency Evaluation Audit Memo, SPSS Lab Assignments, Group PowerPoint Presentation, Group Evaluation Report, Individual Reflection, Project Group Participation
Group Evaluation report 40% Group Presentation 15% Participation 10% other assignments 10% SPSS lab assignments are ungraded.
