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Office of Educational Effectiveness
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Program Evaluation

The Office of Educational Effectiveness supports the evaluation of non-academic programs and grant funded research. Evaluation uses research methods to assess a program’s design, implementation, outcomes, or impacts, comparing results with the goals outlined in the program's logic model.

For support with program evaluation or to request a consultation, please contact Ling Zhai, PhD, Program Evaluator at ling.zhai@stonybrook.edu or (631)-632-2625.

Request Program Evaluation

Key Considerations for Program Evaluation

The program evaluation process genearly includes the following key considerations: 

  • Program logic model
  • Purpose of the evaluation
  • Question(s) addressed by the evaluation
  • Resources available for the evaluation
  • Funder evaluation requirements

Program Logic Model

A program logic model is a detailed visual representation of the shared relationships among various elements of a program or study and its theory of change. The program logic model has demonstrated its effectiveness as a tool for program planning, implementation, and performance management across various fields for decades. 

Logic models serve as a roadmap for understanding how a program operates, detailing necessary resources, actions, and expected outcomes. Inputs are the resources required, activities are the actions taken with those resources, and outputs are the immediate and long-term results of those actions. 

Logic Model

External Evaluation

An external evaluator will oversee both the design and execution of your project's evaluation. This process includes systematically gathering and analyzing evidence on the project's quality, effectiveness, and impact. To maintain impartiality, the evaluator must not be involved in the project itself. Engaging in the process of external evaluation generally includes the following steps: 

    • Step 1: Appoint the person responsible for overseeing the external evaluation. 
    • Step 2: Clarify the objectives, extent, and timeline of the evaluation. 
    • Step 3: Set the budget and acquire the required resources. 
    • Step 4: Invite proposals and choose an external evaluator. 
    • Step 5: Create a formal contract or consulting agreement. 
    • Step 6: Maintain communication with and provide support to the evaluator.

The information provided above is adapted from AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/evaluation-resources

Additional Resources
Looking to learn more about program evaluation? Check out the following resources for further reading. 

  • The American Evaluation Association: http://www.eval.org
  • AmeriCorps: https://americorps.gov/grantees-sponsors/evaluation-resources
  • Owen, J. M. (2020). Program evaluation: Forms and approaches. Routledge.
  • Newcomer, K. E., Hatry, H. P., & Wholey, J. S. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook of practical program evaluation (pp. 1-864). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass & Pfeiffer Imprints, Wiley.
  • Stufflebeam, D. L., & Coryn, C. L. (2014). Evaluation theory, models, and applications (Vol. 50). John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment Levels
Assessment Levels