CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Evaluation and the Program Planning Process
2. Data Analysis, or "What Do You Mean by That?"
3. Special Challenges in Evaluating Prevention Programs

Supplements
Resources

Evaluation for the Unevaluated:
Program Evaluation 102

Types of Data To Collect

Here are examples of some of the data you might collect for your prevention program. These lists are not exhaustive. It's important to work closely with your evaluator to determine what information you'll need. Options for data collection instruments include:

• Written surveys or questionnaires
• Oral interviews (in person or on the telephone) or focus group interviews (structured or unstructured)
• Extraction forms to be used for written records (such as case records or existing databases)
• Observation forms or checklists to be used to assess participants' or staff members' behaviors

School Performance

• Attendance
• Disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions
• Grades and mastery achievement test scores
• Parental involvement in school activities (attendance at PTA meetings, teacher conferences, etc.)
• Participation in extracurricular activities
• Availability of afterschool supervision (daycare, activities, parents, etc.)

Demographic Data

• Age
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Family makeup (number of siblings, single parent, etc.)
• Income/occupation

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Skills Regarding Substance Use

• Participation in alcohol and drug education programs
• Parental attitudes about substance use
• Children's attitudes about substance use
• Teachers' attitudes about substance use
• Availability of alcohol and drug education programs in the community
• Participation of health care professionals in prevention efforts
• Ability to resist substance use

Substance Use

• Alcohol use, past 30 days
• Marijuana use, past 30 days
• Tobacco use, past 30 days
• Inhalant use, past 30 days
• Use of any other illicit drug, past 30 days

Criminal History

• Arrests and convictions
• Self-reported participation in illegal activity

Community Resources

• After-school activities
• Program facilities
• Public transportation
• Volunteers