Relevance of Culture in Evaluation Workshop

Arizona State University, Scottsdale AZ

Investigators

Abstract

The proposed workshop is a follow-up activity to a pilot effort funded by the EHR/REC as a Small Grant for Exploratory Research (SGER) in FY 2000 that focused on evaluator capacity building and the importance of cultural context in conducting evaluations. This proposal builds on the strategies and activities implemented in the pilot workshop and will incorporate lessons learned and feedback from the pilot workshop participants. Major objectives for this workshop would be to provide participants with: 1. an introduction to the role and importance of program evaluation in urban school settings 2. a general overview of major evaluation theories/approaches that have defined the field of educational evaluation 3. a closer look at a few emerging evaluation theories/approaches that accept cultural context as an important factor in program evaluation. 4. preliminary considerations of culturally responsive approaches in the design and implementation of program evaluations. 5. A videotape and accompanying CD of the workshop will be developed by a professional media company for use in future professional development workshops and recruitment. The workshop participants and evaluation facilitators will receive copies of the videotape and CD.