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                            Library & Multimedia
 Plan for Program Evaluation From the Start
NCJ Number
              248779
Journal

*NIJ Journal* Issue: 275 Dated: May 2015 Pages: 1-2
Author(s)
          Alison B. Martin
Date Published

May 2015
Length
              2 pages
Publication Series
          NIJ Journal
Annotation
              After emphasizing the importance of planning and designing the evaluation of a program before beginning the program's implementation, this article discusses the benefits and features of planning, designing, and timing a program's evaluation.
Abstract
              Planning and designing a program's evaluation during the program's initial design phase and prior to its implementation are essential for ensuring that the evaluation is scientific, meaning that the program's objectives and implementation are measurable and that appropriate data are collected for determining whether program implementation and outcomes have been achieved.  Four guidelines are suggested for planning an evaluation before starting a program.  First, choose the questions to be answered by the evaluation, and determine the information needed to answer them.  Second, determine the timing of evaluations and the resources needed to conduct them.  Third, document the program's design, purpose, and objectives so an evaluator can compare them to the program's actual implementation and outcomes.  Fourth, remain flexible, so the evaluation plan can be revised as necessary.  The article also discusses special evaluation challenges associated with multi-site programs.  In addition, it addresses "evaluability assessments," which gauge how well the evaluation plan was conducted and its effectiveness in preparing the program for an evaluation.
      
  
          Additional Details
Agencies
        NIJ


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Report (Technical Assistance)
                                Report (Grant Sponsored)
                                Instructional Material
    
  
  
Date Published: May 1, 2015
    
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