Applying a program-oriented approaches model to create a program evaluation plan - Essay Example

Applying a program-oriented approaches model to create a program evaluation plan Program oriented approach isevaluation where the evaluator begins with learning about the key features of the stated program where the programs results are used in planning, design, implementation and to be used in a practical way to improve the efficiency of the program. In the case of Greenlawn Middle school, the most appropriate approach to improve the overall wellness of the students is through the use of the Provus’s Discrepancy evaluation model.

The Provus’s Discrepancy evaluation model ensures proper management practices through sound decision making on whether to improve, maintain or terminate a program (Fitzpatrick, Worthen&Sanders, 2004).The Provus’s Discrepancy evaluation model goes through 4 stages with the 5th stage which is optional. The stages are definition, installation, process, product and cost benefit analysis which is optional. The definition stage involves defining the goals, processes, activities and identifying the different resources required to carry out the activities and accomplish the set goals e.g. financial resources.

The installation stage the program definition is used to determine the relationship between the definition and the actual implementation of the program to be certain that the program is installed as it has been designed. This may result to making adjustments to the program definition or terminating the activity.The process stage involves gathering information of the participants to determine whether their behavior changed as expected to ensure certainty of achieving the set objectives.At the product stage, the evaluator determines whether the terminal objectives of the program have been achieved to determine the realization of the ultimate objectives.

The fifth optional stage of cost benefit analysis involves comparison of the results and the costs with the costs of similar comparable programs. Cost benefit analysis is important in determining the cost ratios of different programs and distribution of funds.The main advantage of Provus’s Discrepancy evaluation model is that at every stage there is identification of differences that may hinder attainment of the set objectives thus allowing corrections before proceeding of the program. The disadvantage of this model is it may take a longer duration than specified due to the different corrections at every stage thus causing delay.

(Fitzpatrick, Worthen&Sanders, 2004).The program goal is to gather accurate and reliable information that will assist in in achieving the intended results and in making future changes in the program.The program mission is to ensure accurate decision making and planning to come up with a proper framework, standards and values that ensure the overall wellness of the students.The program objective is to apply professionalism and experience to provide quality healthcare and ensure the wellness of the students.

Evaluation is the systematic collection of information, activities and characteristics of a program. The main aim of program evaluation is to gather the collected information to improve the program effectiveness and make decisions on the future program development.In comparison to other similar projects the conducted in the past, the ability to achieve the intended results is dependent on the approach and model used. Following the different steps of the Provus’s Discrepancy evaluation model, the intended results will easily be achieved.

Evaluation involves collection of data and gathering information that is later analyzed to come up with the intended results. Input and data collection is the most important step in the logical model. The methods of data collection that Ms Janet will use for Greenlawn Middle School will be interviewing the teachers, students, parents, management and the involved stakeholders and also produce questionnaires to get information about the conduction of the program. Data collection will assist Ms Janet to understand the opinion of different parties thus help her in making future decisions.

The collected data is then analyzed and organized and later used in making future decisions.Evaluations in the public health programs should be carried out according to the CDC framework of evaluation. The CDC is made up of 6 steps to follow;Engage stakeholders –they are the people invested in the program or interested in the results of the program. Stakeholders are responsible for ensuring that the intended results are obtained.Describe the program- a description of the program assists the evaluators to focus on the most important questions such as targets to ensure that the intended outcome is obtained.

The logical model is used at this step.Focus the evaluation-at this step the evaluator focus more on the evaluation which includes implementation of the results of the program descriptionGather credible evidence- the evaluators at this step are mainly involved in data collection from various sources either primary or secondary. These methods include interviews, observation or using questionnaires.Justify conclusions-the gathered information isanalyzed and interpreted and then the analysis is justified by comparison with the stakeholders’ values.

Ensure use of evaluation findings and share the learnt lessons- at this step, the stakeholders ensure that the results are used to improve the effectiveness of the program and for illustrations to other similar programs.In the logical approach, the program evaluators identify the programs input, activities, output, and results. The inputs of the program include data and the identification of resources required for the activity. The inputs required at Greenlawn School include teachers and financial budgets.

Activities include all the components of the program such as seminars, workshops, staff training programs and production of newsletters and handouts. The output involves analyzing the activities that have been carried out during the program implementation. It may involve analyzing the number of participants in the program or the number of newsletters produced. The outcome includes long term results of the project which determine the overall performance of the project which in the case of Greenlawn School is to improve the overall students’ wellness.

List of ReferencesFitzpatrick, J., Worthen, B. &Sanders, S. (2004). Program oriented evaluation and approaches: Alternative approaches and practical guidelines: Program evaluation. New York: Allyn & Bacon.