STEM Education Institute Tuesday Seminar
“Program Evaluation”
Mary A. Moriarty
NSF/DOE Project Director, Springfield Technical Community College
The process of evaluation has grown into a dynamic and critical component of educational programs and projects. What was once seen as a tedious task imposed on organizations is now viewed as a process that serves to provide valuable information to stakeholders and project staff. Program managers are often knowledgeable in their discipline area but have little exposure to formal evaluation theory or practice. This workshop will address the old and new ways of thinking about evaluation, will provide a theoretical framework for evaluation, and outline critical information needed in order for program managers and staff to make good evaluation decisions. Main topics to be covered include:
• Defining evaluation, intent, standards, and use
• A theoretical and conceptual framework
• Developing an evaluation team, plan, and method