EXTENSION PROGRAM EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Evaluating Extension Program Outcomes
In determining the effect
of Extension educational programs, the objectives of the program are usually the
guides from which potential program outcomes are determined.
However, many outcomes of Extension programs are serendipitous in nature.
We don't always plan on all the outcomes that actually do occur.
Keeping that in mind, the program objectives are still the best places to
start in developing a program evaluation plan.
Writing Extension Impact Statements
You have successfully completed your
Extension program. The program went
well and the individuals who completed the program have made changes based on
your program that have improved their lives.
Now it is time to share your success with program stakeholders by writing
an effective impact statement. The
following document discusses some of the key considerations necessary when
considering the content and the organization of the impact statement.
Example Extension Program Evaluation Tools
The following documents are examples of instruments and scales for collecting data in the evaluation of Extension education programs. The examples found here are from a variety of sources. Many were developed and used by the author in conducting actual evaluation projects. Others have come from Extension colleagues across the country who have been gracious enough to share their ideas on evaluation instrument development.
Each of the documents listed in the table below relates back to the Targeting Outcomes of Programs (TOP) Model. TOP is based on a hierarchy that integrates program evaluation within the program development process. TOP uses this simple framework to target specific outcomes in program development and then to assess the degree to which the outcome targets are reached.
The examples can be viewed separately as outlined in the table below, or you can choose to view the document in its entirety.
| Reactions | WordPerfect | |
| Knowledge Change | WordPerfect | |
| Attitude/Opinion Change | WordPerfect | |
| Skill Change | WordPerfect | |
| Aspirations | WordPerfect | |
| Practice (Behavior) Change | WordPerfect | |
| End Results/ SEE | WordPerfect | |
| Generic Extension Program Evaluation Instruments | WordPerfect | |
| View Entire Document | WordPerfect |
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For questions about program evaluation and accountability
or for more information concerning these pages, please contact
Dr. Rich Poling.