Program Evaluation: Embedding Evaluation into Program Design and Development provides an in-depth examination of the foundations, methods, and relevant issues in the field of evaluation. With an emphasis on an embedded approach, where evaluation is an explicit part of a program that leads to the refinement of the program, students will learn how to conduct effective evaluations that foster continual improvement and enable data-based decision making. This text provides students with both the theoretical understanding and the practical tools to conduct effective evaluations while being rigorous enough for experienced evaluators looking to expand their approach to evaluation.

About the Author
Sue Giancola, Ph.D. has over 20 years of experience as an evaluator in both academia and private business. Prior to becoming an evaluator, she worked in corporate and higher education settings on process improvement initiatives. Dr. Giancola is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Policy Research, Evaluation, and Measurement program. She also has a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia in systems engineering and a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University in management. She is currently Senior Associate Director of the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) at the University of Delaware. Her work focuses on research and evaluation of programs to improve human services, primarily in the areas of education and health. She evaluates many local, state, and federal initiatives, including projects funded through NIH, NSF, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Giancola is a member of the American Evaluation Association and the American Educational Research Association. She lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

"This book is a must for anyone who has looked across a lectern at a sea of panicked expressions on the first day of a program evaluation class. Program Evaluation will calm everyone's nerves and create a bit of excitement at the prospect of learning how to evaluate programs and activities."

-- Terry Anderson

"An excellent addition to books on program evaluation. This book's practicality and focus on techniques of embedding evaluations in program design and development is invaluable. Multiple audiences including graduate students, researchers, practitioners and policy makers would find the text useful."

-- Margaret Lombe

"This is a great book that provides the details you need to teach and study program evaluation. The author has tremendous skill and ability to present the materials in and interesting and understandable fashion."

-- Michael J. Scicchitano

"This text would be a great addition to a research methods course providing the history as well as the various types of program evaluations for the appropriate type of programs."

-- Bret D. Cormier

"This unique book relates contemporary realities of program evaluation with a particular focus on 'how to' with relevant real-world examples. This well-conceptualized and well-written piece provides much needed insights on the rudiments of evaluation from the very beginning to the end and serves as invaluable resource to faculty, students, policy makers and key administrators across various levels of government/public affairs. The author candidly narrates the benefits and challenges of evaluation in ways that everyone involved in any form of evaluation at any level can relate to. The book's uniqueness makes it a key addition to the existing literature on evaluation in theory, policy, and praxis terms."

-- James Agbodzakey

"This book serves as an excellent 'How to Manual' for conducting program evaluations. The presentation is both interesting and concise."

-- Sandra Schrouder



Book Information
ISBN 9781506357447
Author Susan P. Giancola
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint SAGE Publications Inc
Publisher SAGE Publications Inc
Weight(grams) 770g