The case study, “ECS PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES” aims to provide funding for students with severe disabilities, in order to meet their educational needs.
It is difficult to choose just one approach because there may be more than one aspect of the program evaluated.
For instance, if one were interested in evaluating the impacts and benefits during or after the program implementation on clients, an Outcomes-Based approach would be appropriate. In ECS PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES, an outcomes based evaluation would investigate if the program is actually making a difference in the form of enhanced learning, behaviour, or skill development for children with severe disabilities. In addition, an outcomes-based evaluation uses a system that investigates the inputs, outputs, outcomes, outcome targets, and outcomes indicators of the program. The use of this system gives the evaluator a holistic look at the program and helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
Another possible approach to evaluating this program is a Goal-Based approach. McNamara states that a goal-based evaluation aims to evaluate if predetermined goals are being met. The evaluator would consider the predetermined timelines, resources, and goals in order to come to a conclusion. An example using our case-study is examining the amount of money and time allocated for each student to judge the program's ability to meet each child’s needs.
The last approach that could be used to evaluate this program is Process-Based. This approach would be useful to examine how the program works, especially if an outside group was interested in learning how the program received its results. This approach is known to be used when, as McNamara states; there are inefficiencies or a large number of complaints about the program.
All three of these approaches could be used to evaluate this program. It is entirely dependent on what aspect of the program is being evaluated. It is also entirely possible that any of these three programs be combined.
When starting this assignment I was inclined to choose between a goal-based approach and an outcomes-based approach. Now, after studying the two, I see that there isn’t a patently obvious line between the two and that an overlap of the two is a likely circumstance.
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Natalie
ReplyDeleteYou are right there is often not a method that works alone in the process of evaluation. You do however very skillfully explain how each of these models could apply. Also you are correct in identifying the need to know what the purpose of the evaluation is. Meeting with the stakeholders and discussing their needs goes a long way in determining the purpose. In this assignment you do a fine job of showing the thought process related to choosing a model to guide an evaluator through the process. Well done.