Your program description sets the stage for your evaluation. The evaluation
purposes of program description are:
- to specify the focus of your evaluation,
- to define success in the context of the evaluation focus, and
- to describe the theory that links what is being evaluated to its being successful.
Program evaluation is much easier when you have a detailed program description,
because it answers questions such as: How does the program or service you are evaluating
fit into your organization and community? Why are you are
assessing it? What
comparisons will be used?
A complete program description could include a brief description of:
Note: You can use a
logic
model to connect the activities and resources of the program you are evaluating
to the effects you expect to happen. The basic components of a
logic
model are:
- your program’s resources, such as staff, funds, etc. (inputs), which lead to
- program products, such as materials, services, activities (outputs), which cause
- specific changes in the lives of the people served (outcomes), and sometimes extend to
- expected changes in the community (impact).
Logic models can be very helpful, because they focus attention on the cause-and-effect
relationship for each step and they can identify the indicators that would be
particularly useful for measuring change along the way.
Need - Why is your program needed?
Include:
- The nature and magnitude of the problem or opportunity that it is responding to,
- Which populations are affected,
- Whether the problem or opportunity is changing, and
- How the problem or opportunity is changing.
Activities - Exactly what does your program do?
Specifically describe program
activities and how they are conducted. Put them in
order if there is one. If the activities are supposed to happen
in a certain sequence, put them in order. Include all activities that could affect
the likelihood of program success, even those that are performed by people who are not
directly involved in the program. Also include factors that could affect the success
of your program, but do not have a role in program activities.
Resources - How much does your program cost?
Include staff and volunteer time,
money, and other resources such as technology, talent, equipment and information that
are necessary for the program activities.
Expected Effects - Exactly how will you know your program is successful?
Since
some anticipated program effects will build on successfully reaching others, include
a range from specific (immediate) to broad (long-term).
Context - What is the setting for you program?
Identify the
environmental influences that may affect your program’s operation, such as the
history, geography, politics, social situation, economic conditions, and efforts
of related or competing organizations.
Stage of Program Development - How well established is your program?
|
Definitions and evaluation goals by stages of program development |
|
Developmental Stage |
Definition |
Evaluation Goal |
| a) Planning |
Program activities are untested |
Refine plans |
| b) Implementation |
Program activities are being field-tested and modified |
Characterize real activities and improve operations |
| c) Mature |
Program has been operating long enough that its activities are stable and their effects are emerging |
Identify and account for both intended and unintended effects |
