The first step in planning program evaluation in a school setting is to describe what?

The first step in planning program evaluation in a school setting is to describe what?

• A. A framework that links organizational needs with specific actions taken to obtain outcomes
• B. A detailed budget for the program
• C. A stakeholder map
• D. A timeline for implementation

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to start with a clear framework that connects what the school needs to achieve with the specific actions the program will take to produce those outcomes. This framework, often called a logic model or theory of change, lays out the inputs, activities, outputs, and expected results, and it clarifies how each component supports meeting the identified needs. Having this map from the outset makes it possible to define evaluation questions, decide what data to collect, and determine how success will be measured. Other planning details like budgeting, stakeholder mapping, or implementation timelines matter, but they depend on the initial alignment between needs and actions to be meaningful.

The key idea is to start with a clear framework that connects what the school needs to achieve with the specific actions the program will take to produce those outcomes. This framework, often called a logic model or theory of change, lays out the inputs, activities, outputs, and expected results, and it clarifies how each component supports meeting the identified needs. Having this map from the outset makes it possible to define evaluation questions, decide what data to collect, and determine how success will be measured. Other planning details like budgeting, stakeholder mapping, or implementation timelines matter, but they depend on the initial alignment between needs and actions to be meaningful.