Temple University 3 credits HDCE
Program evaluation is a critical component in designing and operating effective programs and interventions. Evaluations supply information to program managers and policymakers that can assist them in making decisions about which programs to fund, modify, expand or eliminate. Evaluation can be an accountability tool for program managers and funders. Programs need answers to many questions (i.e., Who is a program intended to serve? What are its goals? What does the program actually look like? Who does it actually reach? What are the outcomes for those who received the intervention? How can a program be improved to better meet its goals? What needs to be adapted for a different population or setting? Why should a program continue to be funded? Which intervention works better? Which is more cost-effective?). This course serves as an introduction to evaluation methodology and evaluation tools commonly used to assess programs. Students will become familiar with the concepts, methods and applications of evaluation research; learn how to read evaluation research critically; understand how to use evaluation results to improve program performance; and be able to propose and execute an appropriate evaluation plan to assess the implementation and/or effectiveness of a program. There is no specific policy or sector focus to this course, as evaluation tools are used in all policy areas and by public (government) and private (foundation) funders as well as by public and private sector program managers. Students are encouraged to relate the general material of the course to their specific interests. Students taking this course will already have taken the following courses: (a) Child Development (that explain age trends in outcomes such as achievement and the factors that cause these outcomes), and (b) Statistics for Decision-Making. This course requires fieldwork. In order to register for this course, students must submit full clearances to the Office of Field Placement.
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