“Strategic plans are based on data that are used to focus school improvement efforts.” (Dunsworth et al., 2013, Kindle Location 950). In its name alone, strategic planning implies making decisions based on good and complete information. Program evaluation flushes out into the open the data you need in order to contemplate and plan for the steps that lead to best practices. Choosing not to use program evaluation as a critical component of strategic planning, is like making a putt without reading a green -- why rely on happenstance when taxpayer dollars and student learning is at stake? Accepting that program evaluation is an integrated part of school processes, and the focus clearly on improving teaching and learning, the demographic and performance data gathered can be systematically analyzed in an effort to address identified challenges. With stakeholder input, the results of a routinely monitored action plan, implemented with fidelity, can be compared against predetermined goals.
“The hallmark of a learning organization is not lovely visions floating in space, but a relentless willingness to examine “what is” in light of our vision.” (Senge, 2010, p. 210). In order to support an environment of reflective inquiry, staff member must be committed to the intent to work toward making real those visions through examining programs, not people. A level of trust must exist, and a desire to work together, from student, teacher, administrator and parent to community members. The school must almost develop a growth mindset, accepting that mistakes and unexpected information will push the institution to expand its capabilities. Resources: Dunsworth, Mardale; Billings, Dawn (2013-05-07). Effective Program Evaluation (Essentials for Principals). Solution Tree Press. Kindle Edition. Senge, Peter M. (2010-03-25). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization. The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
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The degree to which a program may be considered successful, depends on the standards to which it is compared. Relative to the state performance outcomes, the program evaluated may have proven effective, but against like districts, less than satisfactory. To best determine appropriate next-steps, evaluated programs can be placed into four groupings: “If the data analysis shows that the program is marginally effective, the team will need to determine if it will recommend modifying, strengthening, or supplementing the program.” (Dunsworth et. al, 2013, Kindle Locations 864-865). The first thing to realize is that the program may address student population needs, however may not be being used as designed. It is possible that professional development may be all that is needed to better prepare the staff to wring from materials and strategies all that it can, and is able to deliver. A third thing to consider is whether or not PLC’s have been given the time needed to tune the program toward the curricular demands -- a new device or application, for example, can only be marginally effective at best, if time has not been given to incorporate it into unit plans designed to meet standards.
A strategy commonly used to help students of reading is: monitor to clarify. The same strategy is needed after modifications have been made to increase the effectiveness of a program. It is essential to check to see if the adjustments have met performance objectives deemed acceptable. Resources: Dunsworth, Mardale; Billings, Dawn (2013-05-07). Effective Program Evaluation (Essentials for Principals). Solution Tree Press. Kindle Edition. |
Research.Who, what, where, when, & how? One standard deviation away from certain. ArchivesCategories |