12-15 pages, 12 pt, times new roman, double spaced
Based on the provided paper (essay-The Correlation between Poverty and
Education, and literature review), please complete the paper.
In some of sections below, you can copy and paste text from the provided essay
(essay-The Correlation between Poverty and Education).
Please make sure to use and cite, at least, ALL articles that both papers cite.
Executive Summary
This section should include brief (1-2 sentences) summarizing each of the
following sections: 1. problem; 2. program description; 3. issues driving the
evaluation process; 4. stakeholders; 5. research questions; 6. definition of
variables; 7. design and methods to be used; and 8. cost of the evaluation. This
section should summarize your entire paper in approximately 250-500 words.
This is not an introduction – it should be able to stand alone so that the reader
can understand the entire paper from the Executive Summary.
Problem / Issue
Present a detailed analysis of the problem existing in your region.
Document the problems with regional statistics, and analyze the
demographics related to the problem along with the possible causes.
Provide statistical evidence to help the reader focus on the societal
problem being addressed by the program. State problem in terms of
society or clients being served. The societal problem/issue section will
focus on the problem your program is intended to address. Remember to
state the problem in terms of your constituents, and not your agency’s
needs. Provide statistical evidence for every claim in this section.
Remember the “lack of” something is not necessarily a problem.
Address the who, what, when, where, why and how related to the issue.
Using a diagram or model can be helpful in clarifying this section.
Program Description
Agency or organization running the program, name of the program,
services offered, staffing requirements, budgets, and so forth. Include
information on clients, numbers served, and objective(s) of the program
(what does the program intend to achieve – this needs to be linked
directly with the problem in section. Also include any relevant historical
information or data regarding the program (when it was started,
measures of success, etc.)
Reason to Conduct a Program Evaluation
Why is it necessary to conduct a program evaluation of this specific
program at this specific time? What is driving the evaluation process
(e.g., ascertain effectiveness, appropriateness, political drivers, etc.)?
Stakeholders:
Describe the stakeholders that are impacted by the program. Remember
to cite, when appropriate.
Research question(s):
List the questions your evaluation will seek to answer. Remember, this
needs to relate back to your problem statement.
Variables: How are the main variables measured/operationalized?
Clearly define your dependent variable. Give thought to the title you
give the variable, how you will specifically define it, and whether the
variable, as you define it, is nominal, ordinal or interval. Make sure your
variable is measurable. Students may use an index or indicators, but all
definitions need to be defended with literature.
Define your independent variables. Remember, in this evaluation, the
“program” will be one independent variable. Make sure your variables
are measurable and include all independent variables you plan to hold
constant. Students may use an index or indicators. Remember, the
independent variables may provide information on important rival
hypotheses that are likely to explain or confound observed program
effects (the issue of internal validity)?
Discuss the research design
What type of research design will you be using?
From whom will you gather data (identify your sample)
Are any sampling methods used? If so, how will they be obtained (give
step-by-step details).
Random samples? Convenience samples?
Are there any sampling problems, biased samples, very small
samples?
Example, if you plan to use a random sample, be very specific
detailing how you will obtain the roster, how you will select the
first sample, and how you will select subsequent samples. For
example, you may generate a list of all residents living in XYZ
City. You may sort the list alphabetically, and start by selecting the
third name on the list, and then continue selecting every 5th name
until you have achieved a sample size of 500. Be sure you include
all instructions for your staff to follow in order to obtain your
proposed sample.
How will you collect the data (method)?
Participant observation? Content analysis? Elite interviews? Case
studies? Client interviews? Data Analysis? Mixed Methods?
Why were the method(s) selected and appropriate for this
evaluation? Address issues of validity (are you measuring what
you think you’re measuring) and reliability (will your instrument
consistently give you the same result)
Who will collect the data/information?
If you intend to use a survey, be prepared to outline its main
sections so that it is clear which variables will be operationalized
with the survey instrument.
Attach a copy of all instruments to be used in the evaluation
process.
When and how often will you collect the data (design)?
Provide a specific timeline for the data collection
How will data be compared (pre/post, sample group to control
group, etc.) Note the strengths and weaknesses of the type of
design
What are unique features of the program site or the evaluation
methodology which undermine the generalizability of the findings (the
issue of external validity)?
Estimated Budget to Conduct Evaluation
• Summarize the costs of completing the evaluation you have
proposed.
• Use hourly wages for the evaluator’s time
• Use realistic estimates for other evaluation costs (communications,
travel, photocopying, etc.) provide a budget for the evaluation
itself
Summary
Wrap up the entire evaluation design in 1-2 paragraphs.
Be sure to include any appendix documents, as needed (such as copies of
surveys, test instruments, etc.)
Papers must follow APA format.
Assignments will be graded on grammar, format, compliance with
directions, and a mastery of the material.