Practical Evaluation for Educators

Why do so many educators tend to evade program evaluations? This accessible resource presents program evaluation as a trouble-free process that any educator can effectively complete. The authors show educators, administrators, learners and parents alike how to distill evaluations into:

• Aligning and directing evaluation questions
• Observing to gather useful data
• Comparing results
• Using the data

When educators see evaluation as a simple, useful tool for improving programs, measurable results become meaningful outcomes!

Look Inside

For Instructors

1. Introduction

2. Fundamental Principles and Tools of Evaluation

3. Building Aligned Evaluation Criteria

Scenario 1: Supporting Anita

Part II: Observation

4. Identifying What Data Must Be Collected

5. Collecting the Data

Scenario 2: Finding Facts

Part III: Results

6. Analyzing and Interpreting the Data

7. Communicating Results and Recommendations to Stakeholders

Scenario 3: Working Knowledge

Part IV: Action and Adjustment

8. Evaluating for Continuous Improvement

9. Contracting for Evaluation Services

Scenario 4: Actions That Work

Bibliography

Index

Reviews

Quote by Elizabeth D. Capaldi, Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff, State University of New York: "Puts evaluation in a framework of societal needs while simultaneously being results-oriented and practical. This is a unique combination of 'how-to' with 'why' that is of immense importance."

"Puts evaluation in a framework of societal needs while simultaneously being results-oriented and practical. This is a unique combination of 'how-to' with 'why' that is of immense importance."

Quote by James D. Russell, Professor and Visiting Research Associate, Educational Psychology and Learning Systems Institute, Florida State University: "The book describes how to ask and answer the right questions in order to measure the gaps in results and their consequences. Readers will be able to tailor an evaluation plan to their specific situations. Practical examples and scenarios along with how-to guides show readers how to apply the concepts and tools presented."

"The book describes how to ask and answer the right questions in order to measure the gaps in results and their consequences. Readers will be able to tailor an evaluation plan to their specific situations. Practical examples and scenarios along with how-to guides show readers how to apply the concepts and tools presented."

James D. Russell, Professor and Visiting Research Associate
Educational Psychology and Learning Systems Institute, Florida State University

Quote by Dale W. Lick, Professor of Education, Florida State University: "As an evaluation book written for educators and education, this publication delivers on its promise. It provides a practical, professional, and comprehensive approach for planning and conducting evaluation studies that are meaningful and effective for understanding and improving the education enterprise."

"As an evaluation book written for educators and education, this publication delivers on its promise. It provides a practical, professional, and comprehensive approach for planning and conducting evaluation studies that are meaningful and effective for understanding and improving the education enterprise."

Quote by Richard Clark, Professor, University of Southern California: "Roger Kaufman and his colleagues have produced what is simply the best practical book on educational evaluation published in the past few years. It is current, clear, and structured so that educators can apply it in a wide variety of educational contexts."

"Roger Kaufman and his colleagues have produced what is simply the best practical book on educational evaluation published in the past few years. It is current, clear, and structured so that educators can apply it in a wide variety of educational contexts."

Quote by Dale Brethower, Professor Emeritus, Western Michigan University: "Consistent with the very best in evaluation theory and practice. Clearly written, practical, and usable, this book should be used as the organizer for improvement efforts from a neighborhood school to a statewide improvement effort. I heartily recommend it to superintendents, principals, school boards, and concerned parents. If you could read only one book during the next decade about improving education, this is it."

"Consistent with the very best in evaluation theory and practice. Clearly written, practical, and usable, this book should be used as the organizer for improvement efforts from a neighborhood school to a statewide improvement effort. I heartily recommend it to superintendents, principals, school boards, and concerned parents. If you could read only one book during the next decade about improving education, this is it."