Evaluation Plan

The overall question guiding this evaluation is: “Does the STEM-CURE intervention contribute to gains in student achievement? The following questions are used for evaluative data interpretation:

• To what extent has module design/implementation progressed as planned?

• How does the project engage faculty and has faculty support (training and/or mentoring) contributed to successful design/implementation of the modules?

• To what extent has the model promoted standardized teaching of CURE element?

• To what extent are faculty designing/implementing STEM-CURE methodologies?

• To what extent have the CUREs increased recruitment, retention, and transfer rates to 4-year institutions?

• To what extent does STEM-CURE contribute to: (a) attitudes/interest in STEM; (b) participation in STEM courses, majors, undergraduate research; and/or (c) learning outcomes?

• To what degree have STEM-CURE classes been integrated across the curriculum?

• What aspects of the STEM-CURE approach contribute most to participant outcomes?

• To what extent does STEM-CURE increase interest in STEM degrees/programs?

• To what extent does STEM-CURE develop successful partnerships with: (a) university and government research institutions, and (b) industry and community partner?

• What factors impede or facilitate progress towards project goals?

• To what extent have the modules been disseminated to the pedagogical community?

• What progress has been made toward examining project research questions?

• What progress has been made toward sustaining implementation of STEM-CURE project activities?