Evidence-based practice utilizes a variety of research methods to gather evidence as to the efficacy of a program's effectiveness, or cost effectiveness. According to your text, "Sound research and its applications, although not guarantees of perfect policies and programs, are extremely useful tools in developing sound social policies and programs" (p. 281). Additionally, we read that evaluation research is different from "basic" research in that evaluation research is based on reality factors in the field and can answer the question: Is this program achieving its goals within the cost estimates?

In this first assignment, you will create a fictional "how to" guide in which you will analyze the steps pertinent to effective program assessment. Specifically, you will:

Explain the parts of the program evaluation, and how one would carry out a program evaluation.

Explain the steps of the program evaluation and what the program evaluator would want to measure / evaluate.