The Importance Of Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a skill that requires for skilled people to conduct an evaluation that is credible. My reason for taking this class was to gain the basic understanding of the program evaluation. As I became involved in the readings and class assignments I discovered a profound level of respect for this application. I uncovered that evaluations should dedicate thoughtfulness to all stakeholders who are devoted in the endeavors of the program and evaluation. This process allows a full range of people and groups to take part in the evaluation; this is also a way to identify and develop the needs of stakeholders. Evaluation should be integrated throughout the preliminary phases of the program development. A preliminary phase of the evaluation process is to define the details of the program. This shared endeavor can generate a mutual understanding of the program and the evaluation process. In the environment in which I work this is an unknown process, program evaluation happens at the end of the year. In most cases, most programs are unsuccessful because of having unrealistic goals and outcomes. Evaluations can be formative and summative. Formative evaluations are conducted in the development and implementation phase of the program. This process can be beneficial because it provides the program with information on how to best attain the goals or make changes. Summative evaluations happen when the programs are well instituted and inform on to what degree the program is attaining its outcomes and goals (Patton, 1987).

Evaluations are generally have to do with the usefulness, successfulness, and unsuccessfulness of programs. However, good judgment evaluation has an incredibly extensive chronicle; evaluation research that depends on...

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...be well prepared for barriers, I shall succeed and in time I will develop into an effective evaluator.

In conclusion, by selecting an authentic evaluation plan and evaluation questions will bring about consideration to the framework of the program, stakeholders and community members. This will in turn create trust with all parties involved in the evaluation process. The trust build will enable the evaluator to conduct an evaluation that depicts on the understanding and capabilities of all stakeholders. This process will also allow for the evaluation strategy to support the goals and outcomes of the program and will also evaluate the programs strengths and weaknesses. The evaluation of the program will indicate what changes and improvements are necessary in the program. The evaluation plan is the blueprint as to what will be conducted.