Week 10: Outcomes Evaluation

This week, you focus on extending the logic model to include criteria for measuring the outcomes that you identified in your Week 7 logic model.

 

In the Discussion, you evaluate which group research design is appropriate for a case study. You also generate criteria for an outcome evaluation of that program. In the Assignment, you generate a plan for an outcome evaluation of a hypothetical program.

 

Learning Objectives

 

Students will:

 

· Evaluate group research design methods

 

· Generate criteria for an outcome evaluation

 

· Evaluate outcome evaluation criteria

 

· Generate an outcome evaluation plan

 

Learning Resources

 

Required Readings

 

Dudley, J. R. (2020). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (3rd ed.) Oxford University Press.

 

· Chapters 9, “Is the Intervention Effective?” (pp. 215–249)

 

· Chapter 10, “Analyzing Evaluation Data” (pp. 255–275)

 

McNamara, C. (2006a). Contents of an evaluation plan. In Basic guide to program evaluation (including outcomes evaluation). Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/evaluation/program-evaluation-guide.htm#anchor1586742

 

McNamara, C. (2006b). Reasons for priority on implementing outcomes-based evaluation.In Basic guide to outcomes-based evaluation for nonprofit organizations with very limited resources. Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/evaluation/outcomes-evaluation-guide.htm#anchor30249

 

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

 

Read the following section:

 

· “Social Work Research: Planning a Program Evaluation”

 

Optional Resources

 

Nash, J., & Flynn, R. J. (2009). Foster-parent training and foster-child outcomes: An exploratory cross-sectional analysis. Vulnerable Children & Youth Studies, 4(2), 128–134.

 

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

Rork, K. E., & McNeil. C. B. (2011). Evaluation of foster parent training programs: A critical review. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 33(2), 139–170.

 

Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

Assignment: Designing a Plan for Outcome Evaluation

 

Social workers can apply knowledge and skills learned from conducting one type of evaluation to others. Moreover, evaluations themselves can inform and complement each other throughout the life of a program. This week, you apply all that you have learned about program evaluation throughout this course to aid you in program evaluation.

 

To prepare for this Assignment, review “Basic Guide to Program Evaluation (Including Outcomes Evaluation)” from this week’s resources, Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Retrieved from http://www.vitalsource.com , especially the sections titled “Outcomes-Based Evaluation” and “Contents of an Evaluation Plan.” Then, select a program that you would like to evaluate. You should build on work that you have done in previous assignments, but be sure to self-cite any written work that you have already submitted. Complete as many areas of the “Contents of an Evaluation Plan” as possible, leaving out items that assume you have already collected and analyzed the data.

 

Provide a 4-page paper

 

· that outlines a plan for a program evaluation focused on outcomes. Be specific and elaborate. Include the following information:

 

· The purpose of the evaluation, including specific questions to be answered

 

· The outcomes to be evaluated

 

· The indicators or instruments to be used to measure those outcomes, including the strengths and limitations of those measures to be used to evaluate the outcomes

 

· A rationale for selecting among the six group research designs

 

· The methods for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data


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