Evaluation and Communication
Evaluation
The Evaluation Program has oversight for the evaluation of the
science, technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) education initiatives
of NSF and to coordinate the evaluation of corresponding initiatives in other
Federal agencies. The Evaluation staff also works closely with education
program staff to facilitate program monitoring and accountability.
Since a 1992 Congressional request for external evaluation of the
education programs, third-party evaluations have been conducted or are underway
on more than 25 of NSF's Education and Training programs. Generally, the
evaluation process includes
- an understanding of the programmatic goals, objectives, and
strategies;
- the identification of factors that facilitate and impede
successful program implementation;
- the assessment of outputs and outcomes; and
- the communication of findings and recommendations.
This information is used by the Foundation to improve its education
programs, by principal investigators as they direct their own education
projects, and by policy makers, administrators, and members of the
instructional workforce who implement and adapt the various products of NSF
programs.
Special Data and Evaluation Handbook
Information about Evaluation
Examples of Successful Evaluative Research and Evaluation Capacity Proposals
In order to assist those preparing and submitting proposals to the Evaluative Research
and Evaluation Capacity Building (EREC) program, we provide two examples of evaluative
research projects that were funded in 2002. These projects were chosen from the larger
set of successful EREC awards because they exemplify some balance of topics, education
levels, and methods. Please note that your proposal and topic may differ substantially
from the examples provided. The examples are offered to provide greater awareness of what
constitutes a successful EREC proposal and to illuminate various aspects of the review
and award decision. Below you will find two files for each project: (1) the proposal,
containing abstract narrative, and references and (2) a summary of the comments of
the merit reviewers and program officials who made award recommendations. Although the
summaries draw on actual points made by the proposal reviewers, review panelists, and
program officers, they are not the actual reviews. We recognize that all proposals and
reviews have strengths and weaknesses. We therefore offer these only as examples of
typical successful projects.
We hope prospective investigators will find these examples helpful in preparing proposals
to the EREC program. Please check the Welcome section of the REC homepage
for related materials concerning REC awards, program guidelines,
and news items.
- Enhancing Evaluation Methods and Capacity:
Principled Discovery, Evaluation Portfolio Management,
and Taking Evaluation to the People
Melvin M. Mark, Principal Investigator, Pennsylvania State University
Proposal
| Summary
of the Proposal Review
- Building Evaluation Capacity with Theory-Based Evaluation
Mary Ann Millsap, Principal Investigator, Abt Associates Inc.
Proposal
| Summary
of the Proposal Review
Communication
The Communication Program coordinates activities within the EHR
Directorate that advance understanding of education reform and the methods,
policies, and practices under which effective reform takes place and is
sustained.
REC communication and outreach activities are intended to enhance
public understanding of SMET education reform strategies so that citizens can
make informed choices about the direction of reform in their communities and
schools. These activities increase the impact of EHR programs by providing to a
variety of audiences (especially practitioners) information that summarizes and
synthesizes the findings, outcomes, and lessons learned from EHR supported
projects.
For More Information
Email
ckatzenm@nsf.gov
Contact
Evaluation & Communication Program, REC/EHR
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 855
Arlington, Virginia 22230
Phone (703) 292-8650
Fax: (703) 292-9046
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