Program Evaluation

by Kenneth J. Linfield, Emil J. Posavac

This text provides a solid foundation in program evaluation, covering the main components of evaluating agencies and their programs, how best to address those components, and the procedures to follow when conducting evaluations. Different models and approaches are paired with practical techniques, such as how to plan an interview to collect qualitative data and how to use statistical analyses to report results. In every chapter, case studies provide real world examples of evaluations broken down into the main elements of program evaluation: the needs that led to the program, the implementation of program plans, the people connected to the program, unexpected side effects, the role of evaluators in improving programs, the results, and the factors behind the results. In addition, the story of one of the evaluators involved in each case study is presented to show the human side of evaluation. The Ninth Edition offers enhanced and expanded case studies, making them a central organizing theme, and adds more international examples. The new edition also features online resources with an instructor test bank, sample program evaluation reports, and additional annotated resources.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Required reading for my Program Evaluation class. It was great at simplifying the evaluation process, but is just very dull read.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually read all but 1 chapter! Textbook for school...

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I taught a graduate course in program evaluation, I used an earlier edition of this book. It served as a text very nicely. It explores such key issues, at the outset, as planning an evaluation, developing good measures of program performance, and ethical issues involved. Then, three key elements of evaluation--assessing need and planning programs and assessing if the program is being implemented as desired. Ultimately, evaluation is about assessing whether or not a program is having desirable (or undesirable) effects. Part III considers how one might go about that task. Finally, Part IV speaks of how one can apply finsings effectively.

All in all, a nice introduction to program evaluation.

[Oscar Lilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never do this but I have had my head in this book for 5 months for class and have spent more time with this content than most of the books I actually want to read. The content is really helpful in understanding program development and is very comprehensive, but it would have been more palatable in a digital version.

[Charlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was the first to open my eyes to an Improvement-Focused Model and creating a Learning Culture. You really must be interested in in learning about Program Evaluation to like this book. I am so I liked it.

[Mrs. Schonour · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is great if you're interested in program evaluation, which I am not. It's well-organized and fairly easy to read. I got the information I needed for my grad class and it wasn't torture to read.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Liked" might be a strong word, but it explained things pretty well. Other than statistics.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for a new educators. It provides with various evaluation methods and illustrative case studies.