This study focuses on the second round of Taiwanese teacher preparation program (TPP) evaluation (2012-2017) to analyze how evaluation policy shapes TPPs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 stakeholders, which included professors, administrators, researchers, and staff involved in TPP evaluation. First, the findings revealed that…

Objective: This article describes the process implemented in order to define and build up a Basic Monitoring and Evaluation System for Spanish Cooperation's Culture and Development Strategy (CD-S). Research Design: Delphi techniques were used to assess a wide catalogue of indicators for each of the strategic areas included in the CD-S. Afterward,…

Although most academic disciplines evolve at a measured pace, the emerging field of homeland security must, for reasons of safety and security, evolve rapidly. The Department of Homeland Security sponsored the establishment of a graduate educational program for key officials holding homeland security roles. Because homeland security is a nascent…

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a pilot study that promoted productive and capacity-building activities among deprived rural women of Mexico. The evaluation design is observational; 1,278 women are interviewed, and the comparison group is estimated by propensity score matching. The results show a positive impact on the…

Uses bibliometric analysis to examine the role of mediators and moderators in the evaluation of programs for children. Suggests that the use of mediators and moderators is sporadic and vague at best, and outlines an agenda for improved program evaluation. (SLD)

The development of European Community administrative authority has greatly influenced the development of an evaluation culture among the southern and central member states of the European Union. The present case study from Spain provides an example of this diffusion through the use of an empowerment evaluation approach to build evaluation capacity…

Explores the problems of theory-based evaluation, describes the nature of potential benefits, and suggests that the benefits are significant enough to warrant continued effort to overcome the obstacles and advance its use. Many of the problems are related to inadequate theories about pathways to desired program outcomes. (SLD)

Used findings from the evaluations of California's Greater Avenues for Independence program and the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies to illustrate why it is important to question the legitimacy of such syntheses. Results show how tempting generalizations are not justified. (SLD)

Examined six published papers using a theory-based evaluation (TBE) approach. Found that authors of the papers did not always make explicit the relation of their data to the theory of the program. Identified some ways in which TBE contributed to the merit of the evaluation. Outlines lessons for the future of TBE. (SLD)

Using a stratified random sample, this study surveyed the practices of program evaluators. Practices factored into four patterns: academic evaluation, stakeholder service evaluation, decision-driven evaluation, and outcome evaluation. (RB)

This article focuses on the management of federally funded evaluation research by (1) discussing aspects of building an in-house evaluation team; (2) defining possible contractor/client relationships, and (3) considering contractor/practitioner team rapport. (Author/GK)

Aims to assist evaluators working with an institutional review board (IRB). Asserts that evaluators must accept the legitimacy of IRB review and learn about requirements and pressures even as they educate the IRB about social science methodology and empirically demonstrable risks. (SLD)

Opposes the practice of aggregating impacts on outcome dimensions to arrive at one summary assessment of program merit. Suggests that impacts should be kept separate and unweighted, expressed in their own measurement scales. Illustrates this method through an evaluation of the effects of research grants on a university. (SLD)

The chronic and relapsing nature of substance abuse points to the need for continuing care after a primary phase of treatment. This article reviews the economic studies of continuing care, discusses research gaps, highlights some of the challenges of conducting rigorous economic evaluations of continuing care, and offers research guidelines and…

A meta-program theory is proposed to overcome the limitations and improve the use of program theory as an approach to faith-based program evaluation. The essentials for understanding religious organizations, their various programs, and faith and spirituality are discussed to support a rationale for developing a faith-based program theory that…