Program Evaluation: Pragmatic Methods for Social Work and Human Service Agencies

Be prepared for your future role in a service-oriented agency. This textbook provides practical guidance on program evaluation while avoiding replicating other course material. Drawing on over 40 years of subject knowledge, Allen Rubin describes outcome designs that are feasible for service-oriented agencies and that match the degree of certainty needed by key users of outcome evaluations. The utility and easy calculation of within-group effect sizes are outlined, which enhance the value of evaluations that lack control groups. Instructions are also given on how to write and disseminate an evaluation report in a way maximizes its chances of being used. Conducting focus group interviews and capitalising on the value of non-probabilitysamples will become second nature after following the effective and pragmatic advice mapped out chapter-by-chapter.

Table of Contents:
Part I. Introduction: 1. Introduction and overview; 2. Ethical and cultural issues in program evaluation; Part II. Quantitative and Qualitative Methods for Formative and Process Evaluations: 3. Needs assessment; 4. Survey methods for program planning and monitoring; Part III. Evaluating Outcome in Service-Orientated Agencies: 5. Selecting and measuring outcome objectives; 6. Inference and logic in pragmatic outcome evaluation: don't let the perfect become the enemy of good; 7. Feasible outcome evaluation designs; 8. Single-case designs for evaluating programs and practice; 9. Practical and political pitfalls in outcome evaluations; Part IV. Analyzing and Presenting Data: 10. Analyzing and presenting data from formative and process evaluations; 11. Anaylzing data from outcome evaluations; 12. Writing and disseminating evaluation reports; Epilogue. More tips for becoming a successful evaluator.

About the Author :
Allen Rubin has been teaching courses on program evaluation for over 40 years. He is the Kantambu Latting College Professor of Leadership and Change at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work, past president of the Society for Social Work and Research, and a fellow in the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.

Review :
'This excellent book on program evaluation is masterfully tailored for students studying social work and social workers themselves. It is comprehensive, clear, and unique to this field. It should be essential reading by members of our profession.' Haluk Soydan, retired Professor of Social Work, University of Southern California, and co-founder of the International Campbell Collaboration 'I expect this text will become a gold standard resource for program evaluation in the field. Allen Rubin strikes the right balance between rigorous methods and feasible approaches. Drawing on years of experience, he demystifies program evaluation with practical examples and user-friendly language.' Jennifer L. Bellamy, Professor of Social Work and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development, University of Denver 'Allen Rubin has done it again! His past works have been seminal for over 40 years. Now, he consolidates his experience into this marvellous, practical volume. As the title states, this book is truly pragmatic.' Kevin Corcoran, Professor of Social Work, University of Alabama 'Bravo! Allen Rubin explains complicated concepts in ways that make them appear simpler and even enjoyable. This book, long needed for social work education, simplifies the process of practice evaluation from conceptualization of desired outcomes through dissemination of findings, without skimping on explanations of this critical content.' Joanne Yaffe, Professor of Social Work and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry, University of Utah 'Finally, a thorough program evaluation text that covers everything! This book focuses on the practical application of program evaluation in real settings. It is well-organized and chock-full of valuable examples and tips that will help evaluators and human services professionals increase the feasibility and utility of program evaluation.' Danielle E. Parrish, Associate Professor of Social Work, Baylor University 'Program evaluation provides a foundation for evidence-informed policy and practice in the social services. Human service professionals are key to developing that evidence. This book provides students and practitioners with the knowledge, values, and skills needed for such evaluations.' Edward J Mullen, Willma and Albert Musher Professor Emeritus, Columbia University