Evaluation

of Determining Instructional Purposes Training Program

Janice Bezanson EdTech 505-4172 Fall 2010

This proposal is being submitted to the Far West Laboratory (FWL) stakeholders. Bezanson Evaluation Associates (BEA) prepared this proposal. Introduction The purpose of this evaluation is to provide the stakeholders at FWL with both information and recommendations to use in the decision making process regarding the dissemination of their training units. Additionally, this proposal will provide information to school administrators to assist them in their decision about purchasing the units. Ultimately this proposal will provide FWL with enough information to determine if this program merits capital investment. Description of Program Being Evaluated The program being evaluated is a training package referred to as the Determining Instructional Purposes (DIP). This is a training package designed for school administrators and graduate students in the field of educational administration. Its purpose is to teach necessary skills for planning effective school programs. It consists of three separate training units: Unit 1 Setting Goals; Unit 2 Analyzing Problems; and Unit 3 Deriving Objectives. There is also a Coordinators Handbook that covers all three units. Each unit includes between four-to-six modules that focuses on a limited number of instructional objectives. The modules are designed for use individually or in small groups. They each contain reading materials and activities that allow the trainees to practice the newly learned skills and gain feedback. Each unit is self-contained and can be taught in isolation or in combination with other units. This allows school districts maximum flexibility in focusing on specific skills. These units can be taught in either a concentrated short-term workshop or in planned sessions taking place over several days or possibly weeks. The estimated training time for the units, range from ten hours to eighteen hours. Also, all training should be under the supervision of a trained coordinator.

Evaluation Method The primary purpose of this evaluation is to provide information and recommendations to FWL to help in the decision making process regarding the future of the DIP training program. FWL is trying to determine whether or not this program is worthy of a company expansion, which would necessitate a capital investment. This evaluation is a critical component in helping to determine if FWL should move forward with the creation and marketing of the DIP training program package. In addition, this evaluation will be helpful to school administrators who are considering the purchase of these units. There are many levels of information needed to complete this evaluation. First, it will be necessary to determine if the DIP training program is effective and accomplishes the type of training that is claimed by FWL. Next it is important to establish the need for this type of training. Finally, the cost effectiveness of this program needs to be established. An initial meeting will be held with the primary stakeholders of this evaluation. This will allow any gaps of the exact expectations of this evaluation to be filled in. Both quantitative data and qualitative data will be used during this evaluation. To determine the DIP training programs effectiveness, a sample population will be chosen to receive the training that will include a subject matter expert (SME). A pre-test and post-test will be used to determine the level of achieved training. Questionnaires will also be used to collect data. One questionnaire will be sent to potential clients or customers to establish a need for this type of instructional program. A different questionnaire will be used on the sample population that went through the training, to gain feedback on the program itself. Informal interviews will be used to acquire data from participants in the program. A cost analysis will be conducted to determine the production costs versus the selling costs and the net profit the company should realize.

The audiences for the information gained from this evaluation include all of the stakeholders that work for FWL. They also include school administrators responsible for purchasing training programs. Task Schedule Task 1. Hold initial meeting with FWL stakeholders 2. Create program pre-test and post-test and questionnaires for data collection 3. Identify potential customers for training program and send out questionnaires 4. Hold meeting with SME 5. Select trainees for sample population 6. Hold meeting with CPA 7. Conduct training on sample population 8. Summarize and analyze gathered data 9. Finalize evaluation and create presentation 10. Set presentation meeting with FWL stakeholders Responsible BEA BEA BEA BEA BEA BEA SME BEA BEA BEA *Deadline Date October 15 October 22 October 29 November 5 November 5 November 10 November 19 December 3 December 10 December 17

*Deadline dates are based on contract being accepted by October 5, 2010. Project Personnel BEA is highly qualified to conduct this evaluation. This company has ten years evaluation experience and has a lengthy list of recommendations. In addition the personnel for this project will include an SME, Nancy Waldowski and a Certified Public Accountant, Glen Allen.

Janice Bezanson will be the lead evaluator for BEA in this evaluation. Janice is a highly qualified evaluator and is earning her masters degree in Educational Technology through Boise State University. She has thirteen years experience in education. Nancy Waldowski will be the SME for this evaluation. Nancy has over twenty years experience in working with and planning effective school programs. She has a masters degree in education and is a skilled administrator. Glen Allen is a Certified Public Accountant and specializes in program startups. He has been used for similar cost analysis reports. Glen owns his own company and has earned a positive reputation in the industry. Budget The proposed budget for this evaluation is $29,275. A breakdown of the items included in this budget is reported below. Proposed Budget Personnel Janice Bezanson: 45 days at 350 per day Nancy Waldowski: 20 days at $325 per day Glen Allen: Contract price not to exceed 15 days work TOTAL PERSONNEL $15,750 $ 6,500 $ 6,000 $28,250 $28,250

Travel and per Diem Mileage from Upland to Los Angeles: 5 trips/300 miles at $.50 per mile Per Diem 5 days at $100 per day TOTAL TRAVEL AND PER DIEM $ $ $ 150 100 250 $ 250

Communications Telephone and Internet $5 per day/45 days Postage TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS $ $ $ 225 75 300 $ 300

Supplies, Materials and Photocopying Paper and Photocopying Miscellaneous Supplies TOTAL SUPPLIES, MATERIALS AND PHTOCOPYING $ $ $ 375 100 475 $ 475

TOTAL BUDGET

$29,275