Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase is an online resource aiding education professionals in understanding the basics of project evaluation in order to properly assess projects and programs. It is organized around three elements to assist educators with their program evaluation.

Task 1: Evaluation Concepts

Guideline: Understanding basic evaluation concepts is an important prerequisite to planning and implementing a project level evaluation. Having such knowledge enables the project leader to participate fully in the evaluation process, whether an outside evaluator is hired or in-house staff members and resources are utilized.

Resources

GUIDELINES

Principles of Scientific Inquiry

This document provides a summary of the basic principles of scientific inquiry, laying the groundwork for its application in education. These principles offer a framework for educators to use in assessing education research.

Program Evaluation Standards

This link is to program evaluation standards published by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Evaluation Tips

This document contains tips for evaluators—from designing the evaluation to reporting findings.

REFERENCES

The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation

This guide reviews the basic elements of the evaluation process. Though written to fulfill program goals of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Children, Youth and Families, it may be useful as a basic primer on evaluation.

What Works Clearinghouse

As noted at its website, "the What Works Clearinghouse, established by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences, provides educators, policymakers, researchers and the public with a central and trusted source of scientific evidence of what works in education."

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.