When used wisely, EA can be quite useful in determining when a program is ready for a meaningful and useful evaluation as well as in designing an appropriate evaluation. EA explores the goals, expectations, and information needs of program staff, administrators, and boundary partners. It examines program reality and gauges the likelihood that program activities will achieve measurable progress toward expected goals/outcomes. It also assesses the extent to which evaluation information is likely to be used by program staff and administrators.
In a nut shell, EA is a method and process designed to increase the probability that evaluations will be timely, relevant, and responsive. An EA can provide appropriate information for designing an actionable evaluation that is conducted in a way that is cost effective, increases the quality of program implementation, and conserves resources.
Presenter Bio:
Thomas E. Grayson retired in 2012 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where since 1999 he had Directed the Evaluation and Assessment Office in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and was an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education.
Dr. Grayson's primary expertise is in strategic planning and program/policy evaluation. One of his major activities has been to help academic and professional educators build their capacity to conceptualize and implement programs and services as well as to plan and conduct evaluations useful in improving programs and services, providing accountability for achieving strategic intent, and managing program information. He is experienced in the provision of evaluation technical assistance and training not only in higher education but also in community-based nonprofit organizations. Further, he has made many presentations and conducted numerous training seminars on evaluation policy and practice at professional conferences, service organizations, and public and private institutions.
Dr. Grayson has been an active and involved member of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) for over 25 years. He is a past Chair of the Assessment in Higher Education Topical Interest Group (2002-2005); he has served on the AEA Ethics Committee Professional Development Task Force (2006-2007), and chaired the AEA International Committee (2007 – 2009). He remains active with the Association and served on the AEA Board of Directors from 2015 – 2017.
Dr. Grayson has published articles on a variety of topics, including learning disabilities, concept mapping technology, policy and practice regarding youth at risk of school failure, performance-based assessment, case studies and portrayals, and appreciative inquiry. Publications include the chapters “Program Evaluation in Higher Education” in the Handbook on Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation in Higher Education (2nd ed.), edited by Secolsky, C., & Denison, D. B., (2018), and “Large-scale Assessment of Education in Mexico” in The Sage International Handbook of Educational Evaluation, edited by Ryan, K.E., & Cousins, J. B., (2009).
Location:
The event will be held at Boys Hope Girls Hope International at 12120 Bridgeton Square Dr. Bridgeton, MO 63044. There is a parking lot available at the address for event parking. Please enter through the front door, and you will be directed to the event room.
