You understand the basic concepts and terms of program evaluation:
___You understand that evaluation is the systematic investigation of the merit, worth, or significance of an object or effort
___You understand that a program is used to describe the object or effort that is being evaluated
___You understand that program evaluation is a way to evaluate the specific projects and activities community groups may take part in
___You understand that stakeholders are those who care about the program or effort
You understand that program evaluation:
___Helps clarify program plans
___Improves communication among partners
___Gathers feedback needed to improve and be accountable for program effectiveness
You know how to evaluate a specific program:
___You know what will be evaluated
___You have decided what criteria will be used to judge program performance
___You have decided what standards of performance must be reached for the program to be considered successful
___You know what evidence will indicate performance
___You know what conclusions about program performance are justified based on the available evidence
___You have engaged stakeholders
___You have described the program
___You have focused the evaluation design
___You understand that possible focuses are: to gain insight, to improve how things get done, to determine what the effects of the program are, and to effect those who participate in it
___You have gathered credible evidence
___You have justified your conclusions
___You understand how to ensure the use of the information and share lessons learned
___You know that there are four categories of evaluation standards: utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy
___You understand the standards in each category
___You understand which standards are most applicable to each step of evaluation practice
When writing your evaluation report:
___Provide interim and final reports to intended users in time for intended uses
___Tailor the report content, format, and style for the audience(s) by involving audience members
___Include an executive summary
___Summarize the stakeholders and how they were engaged
___Describe essential features of the program (perhaps in appendices)
___Explain the focus of the evaluation and its limitations
___Include an adequate summary of the evaluation plan and procedures
___Provide all necessary technical information (perhaps in appendices)
___Specify the standards and criteria for evaluative judgments
___Explain the evaluative judgments and how they are supported by the evidence
___List both strengths and weaknesses of the evaluation
___Discuss recommendations for action along with their advantages and disadvantages
___Ensure protections for program clients and other stakeholders
___Anticipate how people or organizations may be affected by the findings
___Present minority opinions or rejoinders where necessary
___Verify that the report is accurate and unbiased
___Organize the report logically and include an appropriate level of detail
___Remove technical jargon
___Use examples, illustrations, graphics, and stories