Toward Reform of Program Evaluation
Toward Reform of Program Evaluation

Author: Lee Joseph Cronbach

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 1980

Total Pages: 468

ISBN-13: 9780875894713

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Abstract: This book discusses the conduct of evaluations and describes the institutional characteristics and the complexities of the evaluative task. Those who conduct evaluations, those who advise on conducting evaluations, planners and managers of social programs, scholars in the social sciences, social activists, and persons concerned with human service programs are all part of the intended audience. This publication is designed to help understand evaluation and its possible contribution to the accomplishment of an objective. Anecdotes and examples are used to develop images of what is to be avoided and what is to be admired.

Thinking about Program Evaluation
Thinking about Program Evaluation

Author: Richard A. Berk

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 9780761917656

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Through the use of specific examples to illustrate evaluation research goals and methods, this book provides readers with an overview of the science and politics of evaluation research. The Second Edition includes coverage of meta-analysis, selection models and instrumental variables.

Foundations of Program Evaluation
Foundations of Program Evaluation

Author: William R. Shadish

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 544

ISBN-13: 9780803953017

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Foundations of Program Evaluationheralds a thorough exploration of the field of program evaluation--looking back on its origins. By summarizing, comparing, and contrasting the work of seven major theorists of program evaluation, this book provides an important perspective on the current state of evaluation theory and provides suggestions for ways of improving its practice. Beginning in Chapter Two, the authors develop a conceptual framework to analyze how successfully each theory meets the specific criteria of its framework. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to the presentation of the theoretical and practical advice of a significant theorist--Michael Scriven, Donald Campbell, Carol Weiss, Joseph Wholey, Robert Stake, Lee Cronbach, and Peter Rossi.

Evaluating Welfare Reform in an Era of Transition
Evaluating Welfare Reform in an Era of Transition

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2001-08-10

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 0309171342

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Reform of welfare is one of the nation's most contentious issues, with debate often driven more by politics than by facts and careful analysis. Evaluating Welfare Reform in an Era of Transition identifies the key policy questions for measuring whether our changing social welfare programs are working, reviews the available studies and research, and recommends the most effective ways to answer those questions. This book discusses the development of welfare policy, including the landmark 1996 federal law that devolved most of the responsibility for welfare policies and their implementation to the states. A thorough analysis of the available research leads to the identification of gaps in what is currently known about the effects of welfare reform. Evaluating Welfare Reform in an Era of Transition specifies what-and why-we need to know about the response of individual states to the federal overhaul of welfare and the effects of the many changes in the nation's welfare laws, policies, and practices. With a clear approach to a variety of issues, Evaluating Welfare Reform in an Era of Transition will be important to policy makers, welfare administrators, researchers, journalists, and advocates on all sides of the issue.

Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement

Author: James C. McDavid

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Published: 2012-10-25

Total Pages: 561

ISBN-13: 145228959X

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Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement: An Introduction to Practice, Second Edition offers an accessible, practical introduction to program evaluation and performance measurement for public and non-profit organizations, and has been extensively updated since the first edition. Using examples, it covers topics in a detailed fashion, making it a useful guide for students as well as practitioners who are participating in program evaluations or constructing and implementing performance measurement systems. Authors James C. McDavid, Irene Huse, and Laura R. L. Hawthorn guide readers through conducting quantitative and qualitative program evaluations, needs assessments, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, as well as constructing, implementing and using performance measurement systems. The importance of professional judgment is highlighted throughout the book as an intrinsic feature of evaluation practice.

Program Evaluation
Program Evaluation

Author: John M Owen

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1999-04-05

Total Pages: 324

ISBN-13: 9780761961789

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Using an original framework, this practical introduction to evaluation shows how to identify appropriate forms and approaches, involve stakeholders in the planning process and disseminate the evaluation findings.

Standards-Based and Responsive Evaluation
Standards-Based and Responsive Evaluation

Author: Robert E. Stake

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13:

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Robert Stake explores the many conceptual choices an evaluator needs to make, from attention to stakeholders, to weighing ethical tasks, to writing a useful report.

Practical Program Evaluation For Criminal Justice
Practical Program Evaluation For Criminal Justice

Author: Gennaro F. Vito

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-05-08

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13: 1455775460

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Practical Program Evaluation for Criminal Justice shows readers how to apply the principles of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and evidence-based practice to criminal justice reform plans. Unlike other policy-based texts, which tend to focus more on implementation than assessment, this book provides applicable, step-by-step instruction on determining an initiative's necessity prior to its adoption (reducing the risk of wasting resources), as well as how to accurately gauge its effectiveness during initial roll-out stages. The book gradually introduces basic data analysis procedures and statistical techniques, which, once mastered, can be used to prove or disprove a program's worth. Lastly, the book introduces the types of stakeholders who should review evaluation results for quick action, as well as how to best structure reports to ensure their buy-in. Individually examines every major evaluation type (as well as the benefits, concerns, and constraints of each), including needs, theory, process, outcome/impact, and cost efficiency Defines the precise data points each evaluation type requires, and the exact manner in which this data can be collected Demonstrates how different types of evaluations can be used together to provide clear information regarding a program's overall performance level Cites and makes use of real-world policy evaluations and vetted programs

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice
Program Evaluation Theory and Practice

Author: Donna M. Mertens

Publisher: Guilford Press

Published: 2012-02-20

Total Pages: 642

ISBN-13: 1462503241

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This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies—many with reflective commentary from the evaluators—reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Useful pedagogical features include: *Examples of large- and small-scale evaluations from multiple disciplines. *Beginning-of-chapter reflection questions that set the stage for the material covered. *"Extending your thinking" questions and practical activities that help readers apply particular theoretical paradigms in their own evaluation projects. *Relevant Web links, including pathways to more details about sampling, data collection, and analysis. *Boxes offering a closer look at key evaluation concepts and additional studies. *Checklists for readers to determine if they have followed recommended practice. *A companion website with resources for further learning.