We live in an era in which accountability is essential. Long gone are the days of programs that are sustained solely by an agency's good name. Instead, measurable goals and objectives are now the norm. Appropriate data must be collected and analyzed, and the results must be related to the goals and objectives. A key component of accountability is evaluation.
Evaluation is used to measure the extent to which program goals and objectives are met.
Process evaluation occurs during the course of the program with the intent of improving the program before it is over. An example is the evaluation of program structure. This type of evaluation occurs throughout the duration of the program to ensure that the program goals and objectives are being met. It involves the collection and analysis of data regarding the overall effectiveness of the program measured against its stated objectives. There are several ways to improve evaluation methods for programs that serve youth in at-risk environments.