Course Description
Introduction
While policy analysis focuses on the future, program evaluation looks at the past performance of a program to see if it has met its societal goals, how it can be improved, and whether funding for that program should be continued.
Whatever the source of funding for your program, you'll likely be asked to evaluate it on a regular basis. And when developing a proposal for funding, one common element requested is how you will evaluate the program to determine if it is successful in achieving the proposed outcomes.
And when doing a policy analysis, your first step is to understand the "status quo." That is, what is the current program and how well does it work according to the 4E's: effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability. Based on this information, you can develop policy options to respond to what does not work well in the current program while maintaining those elements that do work well relative to the desired societal outcome.
Educational Outcomes
In this “learn by doing” class, students will enhance their understanding of:
- What program evaluation is and why it is important
- Program evaluation framework (e.g., stakeholder participation)
- Methods for evaluating programs (e.g., population-based vs. program-based)
- Program evaluation standards
- Development of a program evaluation plan
- Understanding the difference between a good and poor program evaluation
Schedule
Class Hours: Class will meet virtually from 10AM to 4PM Eastern Time.
Office Hours (Optional): At students' option, they may participate in office hours, which will be scheduled at a day/time convenient for students. During office hours, students may receive feedback on the work they developed during the class, ask for advice about applying the lessons learned to their work, and request career advice about working in science and technology policy. The plan for the office hour activity will be discussed with students at the end of each class day.
Day 1
- What is program evaluation and why is it important?
- What are the six steps and four evaluation standards in a program evaluation framework?
- Step 1. Engage stakeholders
- Step 2. Describe the program
- Step 3. Focus the evaluation design
Day 2
- Step 4. Gather credible evidence
- Step 5: Justify conclusions
- Step 6: Ensure use and lessons learned
Related Public Policy Workshops
This series of workshops on science and technology (S&T) policy will enhance your understanding and analysis skills that can enhance your ability and eligibility for policy-related fellowships, positions and promotions. For those already in policy-related positions, they will enhance the analytical tools you have to address both the needs of your programs and asses the programs your organization funds.
You will receive a digital badge for each class and an additional digital badge if you complete all workshops in the series. This digital badge can be placed on your LinkedIn profile, personal webpage, and resume/CV.
The workshops will be taught by Dr. Deborah D. Stine, who has conducted public policy analysis for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the Congressional Research Service; the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; and Carnegie Mellon University. She is the founder and chief instructor for the Science & Technology Policy Academy.
PPOL 071 | The Role of the White House, Congress, Federal Agencies, and Judiciary in Science & Technology Policy
PPOL 072 | Public Policy Analysis for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals: A Systematic Process for Analyzing and Developing Policy Options to Respond to Societal Challenges
PPOL 073 | Public Policy Analytical Methods for Scientists, Engineers, and Health Professionals: Understanding and Evaluating Benefit-cost, Cost-effectiveness, and Risk Analysis
PPOL 075 | Equity Analysis and Science and Technology Policy
Credit
Although no grades are given for courses, each participant will receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on the number of contact hours. One CEU is equal to ten contact hours. Upon completion of the course each participant will receive a certificate, showing completion of the workshop and 1.4 CEUs. Attendees will also earn a digital badge that can be displayed on a digital resume or CV, LinkedIn and other social media.
Refund Policy
100% tuition refund for registrations cancelled 14 or more calendar days prior to the start of the workshop.
50% tuition refund for registrations cancelled between 4 to 13 calendar days prior to the start of the workshop.
No refund will be issued for registrations cancelled 3 calendar days or less prior to the start of the workshop.
Notification
All cancellations must be received in writing via email to registrar@faes.org.
Cancellations received after 4:00 pm (ET) on business days or received on non-business days are time marked for the following business day.
All refund payments will be processed by the start of the initial workshop.