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Session Title: The Role of Evaluation in Informing Program Functioning and Public Perception
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Panel Session 746 to be held in Ventura on Friday, Nov 4, 2:50 PM to 4:20 PM
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Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Leigh D'Amico, University of South Carolina, damico@mailbox.sc.edu
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| Abstract:
The beliefs, values, and expectations of multiple stakeholders drive an initiative's policies and practices and impact the evaluation process and perceptions of success. The South Carolina Writing Improvement Network, which receives state funding and submits an annual report documenting impact, provides professional development and technical assistance to improve students' language arts and writing proficiency. Professional development is customized to the identified needs of school districts, schools, and teachers across South Carolina. In an accountability climate with limited funding, it is critical to effectively and appropriately understand and report program impact. Evaluations of the professional development focus on multiple levels of impact including student achievement. Panelists will explain how the values of those associated with the program including the program director, evaluator, teachers, administrators, and state-based entities have shaped the provision of services, implementation and use of evaluation plan, and measures of success.
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Evaluation to Inform Program Planning and Delivery and Provide Evidence of Impact
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| Leigh D'Amico, University of South Carolina, damico@mailbox.sc.edu
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As the lead evaluator on this project through the Office of Program Evaluation at the University of South Carolina, Leigh will share information about the evaluation design and implementation as well as the process of working with the South Carolina Writing Improvement Network staff through a utilization-focused evaluation approach. She will discuss the complexities of understanding and defining progress, challenges in analyzing student impact, and implications of communicating results to stakeholders.
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The Impact of Evaluation on the Operation of a Statewide Initiative
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| Ellen James, South Carolina Writing Improvement Network, jamesw2@mailbox.sc.edu
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As the director of the South Carolina Writing Improvement Network, Ellen will provide insight into the provision of high quality professional development that is focused on improving student achievement in writing and language arts. She will share her experiences in working in a utilization-focused evaluation model, detail how she has used evaluation information to shape organizational priorities, and discuss opportunities and challenges in sharing program performance and impact results with state officials.
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The Impact of Evaluation in Program Planning and Delivery
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| Hannah Baker, South Carolina Writing Improvement Network, hbaker@mailbox.sc.edu
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As a full-time consultant of the South Carolina Writing Improvement Network, Hannah plans and facilitates professional development designed to improve student achievement in writing and language arts. She has been extensively involved in the evaluation process. She will share her experiences in implementing the evaluation plan and understanding the impacts of the program.
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