Program evaluation plays a key role in improving the performance of our schools. As a learning community, the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District has initiated a program evaluation process as a means of accessing and organizing information about student achievement and the role current curriculum and instructional practices play in supporting that achievement. As a high performing learning community, it is essential that data are used throughout the program evaluation process to inform the ongoing efforts to improve student learning.

Steps of the  Evaluation Process

Step I: Getting Started.  Designing the Plan.

1. Generate guiding question(s):

   1. What do we need to evaluate?

   2. How well are students achieving in _______? 

   3. How does our organization support student achievement?

   4. Identify overarching themes for study.

   5. Identify specific indicators for themes (What does this look like in the classroom)

Step II: Determine Data Needs, Analyze, Determine Results

1. What type of data will be needed to answer the questions?

   1. Quantitative

   2. Qualitative

2. What are the sources of those data?

   1. Observation

   2. Survey: Pre-Post

   3. Comparative 

   4. Work samples

   5. Other

3. Analysis: Determine how the data will be collected and analyzed.

4. Analyze data

5. Develop results

Step III: Make Recommendations

1. What do the data indicate are our strengths? Needs?

2. Based on the identified needs, what recommendations can you make for:

   1. Curriculum development/modification

   2. Professional development

   3. Course development

   4. Other

Step IV: Develop an Action Plan

1. Developed and completed in subsequent years

2. Attends to areas of recommendation

3. Carried out by various stakeholder groups