Enhancing evaluation

After my findings are reported, my job does not stop there. Not only will I highlight the issues with the program's functionality/effectiveness, but I will work in collaboration with the program facilitators to offer sound, insightful, potential solutions, to monitor the impact of these solutions (if imposed), and to then continue to monitor and provide support and feedback. I think it is very important that before any of this evaluation process begins, that it is clearly established what the roles and responsibilities of each member are and how their responsibilities will play out throughout the entire process.

For me, the evaluation process is not simply conducting the evaluation and reporting the findings, but working together with the program facilitators to bring about change that will positively effect the outcomes of the program. As such, prior to beginning the evaluation process, I will outline my responsibilities as follows:

• to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the program by conducting research using a variety of research methods
• to analyze and report said findings in a professional and constructive manner
• to provide potential solutions to areas of weakness
• to work collaboratively with stakeholders and program facilitators to implement changes that will further the development of the program
• to re-evaluate and address any issues that may arise in the future
• to continue to support the program facilitators by communicating about the program's progress on a regular basis

Additionally, the program facilitators, students and teachers will also play an important role in the evaluation process. Their responsibilities will be as follows:

• to praise the strengths of the program and the work being done already
• to accept the areas of weakness and work to improve them
• to take into consideration the suggestions made by the evaluator
• to not place blame, but to work together as a team to create effective change
• to participate in the research process of the evaluation by filling in surveys, providing information and participating in interviews
• to continue to work with and ask questions of the evaluator once the findings have been reported
• to keep the lines of communication open between all stakeholders and the evaluator, in order for a follow up to occur

In order to report my findings, I will use reporting methods of a written report, presentation to the program facilitators (in person) of the main areas that require attention, and Professional Development sessions where the program facilitators and other stakeholders can learn and work collaboratively with myself and other experts to implement the changes required to make the program more successful. The purpose of the report is to show concrete evidence (graphs, data, etc) of the program's effectiveness and so that the findings can be easily disseminated among all stakeholders. The presentation of the main areas that require attention will allow for a dialogue to occur between the evaluator and the program facilitators, where questions can be asked and answered in order to facilitate a positive evaluation experience, and ensure that the recommendations are being understood and acted upon. Finally, the Professional Development sessions will allow all those involved to share their knowledge, and to acquire new knowledge in order to enact effective change.