LMSW Program Evaluation

What is the purpose of program evaluation

used to evaluate the effectiveness of a program

what are the steps of program evaluation

step1: identify the goals of the program

step 2: describe the characteristics of the organization

step 3: engage in process evaluation

step 4: define outcomes to be measured

step 5: measure the outcomes of the program

step 6: report and disseminate findings

Step 1: Identify the goals of the program

The social worker may speak with the agency Executive Director and/or program staff to identify the goals of the program. Note: no goals or objectives are created during this time, but we do need to know what the goals of the program were in order to evaluate whether they were met.

Step 2: Describe the characteristics of the organization

Describe the types of clients served by the program, the interventions and practice techniques used by staff, and the organizational structure of the agency and program.

● These things will help with step 3 as we seek to understand how the program services are delivered as well as possible hindrances to goal achievement.

Step 3: Engage in process evaluation

Process evaluation examines how a program was carried out and whether program activities were implemented as intended. ● This could include things like the management of the program, if the agency supported the program well, and which interventions were implemented for the program. All of these factors impact the process of implementation and will in turn end up impacting the overall program outcomes. So process evaluation has to do with implementation whereas 'outcome’ or 'summative' evaluation has to do with overall outcomes (whether the goals were met)

step 4: define outcomes to be measured

Involve key program staff and others who were involved in setting the project’s goals.

● Outcome goals are comprised of data that the agency already keeps track of

Measurable outcomes must be determined to identify whether the projects’ goals are being met.

● A baseline of what clients were experiencing before the program was enacted must be established.

Step 5: Measure the outcomes of the program

Outcomes can be measured with two types of data: qualitative and quantitative

Step 6: Report and disseminate findings

Findings should be clear and concise and may include suggestions for changes/improvements.

● Positive and negative feedback should both help organizations improve their programs.