Common Program Evaluation Tool Questions & Answers

Why are CTE centers/regions required to have common program evaluation tools? 
The evaluation section of the Perkins application requires that a common evaluation tool be used across all programs at Maine career and technical education (CTE) centers/regions. Each CTE center/region is responsible for selecting an evaluation tool that best fits the needs of all programs at that center/region. 

Who is responsible for designing the common program evaluation tool for each school? 
It is recommended that the director of the CTE center/region in collaboration with their team work together to design a CYET reflective of the school needs.

Who completes the program evaluation tool? 
Common yearly evaluation tools must be reviewed with Program Advisory Committees. The PAC consists of Teachers, Students, Secondary constituents, Postsecondary constituents, Business/Industry partners other interested or concerned stakeholders.                                                 
How often should the program evaluation tool be used?
Annually 

What’s the difference between the program evaluation tool and the program self study that is part of the comprehensive school review process? 
The program self study process that is used for a comprehensive school review is highly comprehensive and detailed. The common program evaluation tool provides an annual snapshot of where the program is heading in terms of short-term goals and accomplishments. As such, it need not encompass an extensive review process. 

What should be included in the common program evaluation tool? 
The following components may be part of the program evaluation tool: 

1. Statement of purpose for program evaluation 
2. Instructions for using the evaluation tool 
3. CTE center/region name, address, phone number, website 
4. CTE center/region director 
5. Name of program 
6. CIP 
7. Program description 
8. Program technical skills standards 
9. Industry-related technical skills assessments that have been selected or are being piloted 
10. Student requirements, prerequisites 
11. Instructor(s) 
12. Program planning process 
13. Student recruitment process 
14. Program curriculum 
15. Instructional process 
16. Assessment process 
17. Articulation 
18. Connections with sending schools, business and industry, postsecondary schools 
19. Enrollment and placement statistics, including special populations and non-traditional students 
20. Equipment and facilities 
21. Program advisory committee 
22. Feedback regarding the program from students, media, community, etc. 
23. Names/signatures of program evaluators

What should the common program evaluation tool look like? 
In designing the program evaluation tool, the director may decide to use a specific format, or they may opt to incorporate several formats within the tool to best suit the program component being evaluated.

Suggested Formats for Common Program Evaluation Tool

 

Advantages  

Disadvantages 

Narratives 

Comprehensive in nature and provides for an in-depth review 

Time consuming for the evaluator to record; difficult for data collecting

Short answer response forms 

Time/effort is minimum for the evaluator; responses are easy to read and record

Not all program evaluation components can be accurately described in short answers

Rubrics 

Responses are easily recorded, tabulated and evaluated; data lends itself to drive program and staff development

Not all program components can be easily evaluated in rubrics

Check lists 

Quantitative data; easy for evaluator to record responses

May not reveal total picture for an accurate program evaluation

Portfolios 

Qualitative data gives realistic description of the program; portfolios by definition are showcases of work accomplished

Qualitative data may be difficult to manage