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 4: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Guideline: Being familiar with the legal and ethical considerations associated with project evaluation is essential for all those involved with the evaluation team. Having such knowledge enables those involved to comply with any applicable legal requirements and ethical guidelines.

Resources

Guidelines

ESOMAR Guidelines on Interviewing Children and Young People

These guidelines deal with the ethical considerations involved in conducting survey research with children and young people for both economic and sociological purposes. ESOMAR, originally founded as the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research, is the "world association of research professionals."

Legal

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools receiving funds under any applicable U.S. Department of Education program. School districts should ensure all staff members and outside contractors, such as counselors and interpreters, are familiar with the applicable policies on the privacy of student records.

Protection of Human Subjects in Research

A research activity involves human subjects if the activity is research, as defined in the U.S. Department of Education's regulations, and the research activity will involve use of human subjects, as defined in the regulations. Such activities must follow the Regulations for the Protection of Human Subjects. When developing a program evaluation, it is important to keep these restrictions in mind.

U.S. Department of Education Resources on Human Subjects in Research

This link is to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Chief Financial Officer webpage providing information on federal requirements associated with protecting human subjects in research. Educators inquiring as to federal requirements may find this content useful.

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.