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How can the Evaluation Toolkit help you?

The Evaluation Toolkit is designed for professionals who work with college outreach programs that are interested in conducting small scale, high quality evaluations of their programs. Program evaluation should help determine the effectiveness of program practices and generate recommendations for program improvement, refinement, and success. This is particularly important in the era of accountability where funding is often tied to results. According to President Obama, “The Secretary of Education will use only one test when deciding what [education] ideas to support…It’s not whether an idea is liberal or conservative, but whether it works.”

A Sample Evaluation

A Longitudinal Study of the Talent Search Program (download)

kim_and_jeffreyThis study examined the impact of Talent Search participation at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville on college enrollment. Results suggest Talent Search has a significant positive effect on college enrollment. Click here to learn more about the Talent Search program.

The Evaluation Toolkit can help you do the following:

     

  • Develop a comprehensive plan for your program evaluation
  • Identify data collection methods needed to answer your research questions
  • Work with and analyze data to determine the effects of your program practices and services
  • Use your findings to improve and/or advocate for your program

Toolkit Community

The value and utility of this website in helping you achieve your evaluation goals is dependent on the constructive contributions of website users. Please visit the Toolkit Community and provide your insights, questions and recommendations. VISIT THE COMMUNITY

Evaluation News

Lumina Report_Making the numbers add up_smallThis Lumina Foundation report shows how data can strengthen college access and success programs and facilitate changes that ease the road to college for disadvantaged students. (Download)

Evaluation Guide