1. Session VI Evaluation & Wrap Up

2. Evaluation Activities directed at collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information about the effectiveness of social programs undertaken for the purpose of improving social conditions.

3. Evaluation: Uses Assess the effectiveness of an ongoing program in achieving its objectives Distinguishes a program's effects from those of other forces Aims at program improvement through a modification of current operations.

4. Evaluation Types Formative Evaluation Strengthens or improves the object (program) by examining the delivery of the program or technology, the quality of its implementation the assessment of the organizational context, personnel procedures and inputs.

5. Evaluation Types Summative Evaluation Examines the effects or outcomes of programs, Determines the overall impact.

6. Evaluation Types Static Evaluation of a completed program is conducted without the involvement of the target group.

7. Evaluation Types Dynamic Interaction between the target group and the program. Trochim (1996) suggests an evaluation that occurs throughout the entire "life cycle" of the program.

8. Evaluation Program Domains Needs Assessment Assessment of program theory Assessment of program process Impact Assessment Efficiency Assessment

9. Evaluation Standards Utility Clear identification of audiences Writing clear and understandable reports Timeliness Statement of evaluators’ biases and qualifications Taking responsibility for the use of the evaluation.

10. Evaluation Standards Feasibility evaluation should be Realistic Prudent Diplomatic Frugal

11. Evaluation Standards Propriety an evaluation should be conducted legally ethically with due regard for the welfare of those involved in and effected by an evaluation.

12. Evaluation Standards Accuracy Technical adequacy of evaluative information validity reliability data control Conclusion drawing objectivity

13. Evaluation Structure The question the evaluation is to answer. The methods and procedures the evaluation will use to answer the questions. The nature of the evaluator- stakeholder relationship.

14. Purpose Evaluations may be preformed to determine information on various aspects of the program such as determining effectiveness, providing supporting information for advocates, providing information for funding decisions, etc.

15. Stakeholder Needs The evaluator must determine what aspect of the program is to be assessed and successfully negotiate the contract with the stakeholders in order to present an effective, timely and useful report.

16. Circumstances Programs and evaluations are generally not standardized to the point where a formula for evaluation can be applied. Some considerations vital to a successful evaluation are the stage of program development, the administrative and political context the conceptualization and organizational structure

17. Resources In order to perform an evaluation that meets expectations, the evaluation must have access to the appropriate resources. Adequate time, funding, personnel, and access to records and data are vital to the development of an effective and useful evaluation.

18. Challenges Determining the type of evaluation to be preformed. Determining the issues surrounding the evaluation. Negotiating stakeholders’ expectations of the finished product.

19. Challenges Allocating necessary funding, staff, access to data, and time constraints. Upholding utility, feasibility, accuracy and propriety standards to ensure a useful report. Maintaining an appropriate balance between considerations if the circumstances of the evaluation change.

20. Resources for Evaluation Design NC Cooperative Extension Extension Tourism County Extension Directors NCDENR-State Trails Program Staff County Tourism Directors Local Government Officials Non Profit Organizations Others

21. Website Usage

22. Summary by Month Month Daily AvgMonthly Totals HitsFilesPagesVisitsSitesKBytesVisitsPagesFilesHits Jun 200656381971201934861814609311356 May 20069973369185448063289112222833077 Apr 20069868359168405556278107720622960 Mar 20061641146010271410130337186235525103 Feb 2006439247184112194406373285154692512319 Jan 20061841226411261423587331192336615529 Dec 20052721123355467254355 Totals23270051751116231945730399

23. References http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/aee577/index.html http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/evaluation/glossary/gl ossary_e.htm http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/evaluation/glossary/gl ossary_e.htm http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/ole/eel/concept- map/types.html#e http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/ole/eel/concept- map/types.html#e

24. Speaker Contact Information Jan Trask jan_trask@ncsu.edu Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management North Carolina State University