Evaluation for the Unevaluated:
Program Evaluation 101

Module 4: Preparing for Your Evaluation - Page 8 of 13

1. Clarify your program's mission statement, goals, and objectives.

Jack and his staff constructed a simple program model, designed to give an outsider an immediate grasp of what Cool After School is trying to do. (No, it's not a swimming program, Jack had explained a zillion times!)

Cool After School Program Model

Goal: Reduce substance use among high-risk middle school children.

Target Group: Middle school students, ages 12-14, who lack supervision after school.

Resources Services Outcomes Impact

CAS program staff

Homework assistance

Drug/alcohol education

Sports and recreation

Walk/ride home if needed

Improved school performance

Greater knowledge about alcohol and drugs

More participation in alternative activities

Team building

Lower substance use rates

Parents

Discussion groups

Greater disapproval of substance use

Fewer children experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, or tobacco before leaving middle school

Jack pointing at a giant FYI

Few prevention programs achieve long-term outcomes without reinforcement. Prevention efforts must be directed at other aspects of kids' lives (family, school, community, and society) and be repeated over time.

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