Evaluation of Mission Statement - Essay Example

? Evaluation of Mission ment and Program Organizations initiate programs meant to facilitate the running of their operations. The program should have a clear sense of direction that is provided by its description and the mission statement. The mission statement provides direction for the project. In order to achieve this objective, the mission statement should be clear and concise, action oriented, be based on the principles of the organization, should be inspirational, and should be very realistic. Before any program, data is gathered it is important that the team in charge of the project identify the mission, goals and the objectives of the program (Walker et. Al., 2002). Goals, mission statement and objectives of a program are designed coherently to provide a roadmap to achievement of specific anticipated results. Using the case example of Cartwright School District No. 83, they have developed and institutional mission that states, “Our mission as the Cartwright School District is to ensure high levels of academic achievement for all with a focus on learning tailored to the individual needs of all students” (Cartwright School District No. 83, 2013). This statement conveys very important information to others as it brings out the expected results and provides the strategy that will be utilized to reach the target. It further conveys the specialty of the institution and the target the target group. The mission statement is complemented by the goals. These statements generalize the anticipated results that the program is meant to accomplish (Walker et. Al., 2002).. Considering the case of Cartwright school, they have three simple goals that provide direction on what the institution endeavors to accomplish. These are, “To increase student achievement, to provide exceptional customer service, and to provide opportunities for innovation” (Cartwright School District No. 83, 2013). These goals are both long-term and short term; they provide a broader view for achievement of results. In addition, goals should be capable of addressing the project needs and should be realistic. To support the goals are the objectives, these are specific statements leading to achievement of set goals. Research is the process of collecting, recording, analyzing and interpreting scientific information in an attempt to elucidate certain results. Before engaging in any research activity a clearly formulated hypothesis should be established, this statement makes a guess that is either approved or disapproved by the findings ( McNamara, n.d.). It should also have objectives that guide the research. At Cartwright school, we can try to find out the root cause of the poor performance, despite the institution having a good mission statement and well spelt out goals. There are various methods of gathering information including administration of questionnaires, case studies, literature review, interviewing, and observation among others (OVCs Technical Assistance Guide Series, 2010). Data is first gathered from the field, this is called raw data, focused group discussions and it is further recorded. Recorded data is taken for analysis. There are many methods of analyzing data depending on the type of research done. We can interview the teachers at the institution as well as the students and administer questionnaires to a sample of the students. It is important to monitor the performance of a program in order to ascertain its effectiveness. It is possible that an organization will perceive that they are doing well when that is not the case, presence of performance indicators helps evaluate this aspect. Performance indicators can fall under several categories, like the case of Cartwright school, it is expected that their major indicator of well-being is academic excellence. However, it is not absolute because other factors come into play, which include financial performance. Indicators can be fall in the following categories but not limited, input indicators, output indicators, financial indicators, process indicators, qualitative and quantitative indicators among others. All these indicators are meant to tell of the position of the attempt to meeting its objectives( McNamara, n.d.). A program requires a progressive methodology of evaluating performance indicators. The process involves several steps; firstly, the program should have a clearly defined process. In order to evaluate the performance of Cartwright school, it is important that a clearly identify the main processes, which includes teaching, meetings, extracurricular activities and management processes among others. Upon predefining the process, then it is important to consider the main requirements for the processes to succeed, these may include good teaching methods, discipline, commitment and devotion among others. The next step will involve establishing both qualitative and quantitative strategies of measuring the results and comparing them with the set targets. The management at Cartwright school can evaluate the students’ performance, the teachers’ commitment, class attendance trends, and lateness among others. These qualitative and quantitative measures will tell whether the institution is on a positive or on a negative trend. The final step in the process will involve the investigation of the varying processes that will facilitate achievement of short-term goals. This can be done on aspects that the program endeavors to achieve in the near future. The school scenario can focus on establishing cut marks for continuous assessment tests for the students. All these four steps are significant in evaluating performance indicators for a given program. Questions should be formulated to guide the designing of a program evaluation plan. The first thing is the establishment of the evaluation goals, a reserve of the management team in most cases. From the onset, it should be clear of who is conducting the evaluation. Individuals who understand the process well and are people who can be relied upon to provide solutions should do it. An evaluation expert should lead these people. Another question to be looked into is the composition of the evaluation plan ( McNamara, n.d.).. The plan will vary from one institution to another and will depend on the type of program. The methods of collecting data should also be identified and prior planning done for efficient administration. It is also important to identify the type of information that is required in order to make informed decisions about the program. A program should have tools for monitoring changes that may affect the organization in the future. Advancing technology, upcoming opportunities and changing customer needs should be carefully focused on in order to ensure the success of the organization. The rationale for selection of the tools is the need for adhering to the mission of the program while embracing dynamism. Specific needs in a program necessitate change so that the performance of the program is sustained. In addition, changes in technology and customer needs prompt appropriate advancement ( McNamara, n.d.). References Cartwright School District No. 83. (2013). Cartwright School District No. 83. Retrieved on November 19, 213 from http://www.csd83.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=209610 McNamara, C. (n.d.). Basic Guide to Program Evaluation (Including Outcomes Evaluation). Retrieved on November 19, 213 from http://managementhelp.org/evaluation/program-evaluation-guide.htm Walker, K. et. al, (2002). “Strategic Planning and Mobilizing Resources,” LEADS Curriculum Notebook Unit IV, Module 2. Kansas State University. OVCs Technical Assistance Guide Series. (2010). Guide toPerformance Measurement and Program Evaluation. Retrieved on November 19, 213 from https://www.ovcttac.gov/taResources/OVCTAGuides/PerformanceMeasurement/pfv.html Read More