The Significance of Definitions of Success in Program Evaluation

• Published in: Evaluation review Vol. 24; no. 5; pp. 516 - 536
• Main Authors: Poulin, Mary E., Harris, Philip W., Jones, Peter R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2000; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Behavior Rating Scales; Data Analysis; Definitions; Delinquency; Delinquency Prevention; Departments; Educational evaluation; Employment Level; Environment; Evaluation Methods; Evaluators; Family Problems; Health technology assessment; Human Services; Humans; Information Systems; Juvenile Delinquency - prevention & control; Juvenile Justice; Locus of Control; Needs Assessment; Organizational Change; Organizational Objectives; Organizations; Outcome Measures; Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania (Philadelphia); Philadelphia; Policy Making; Pretests Posttests; Prevention; Preventive Health Services - standards; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Program Evaluation - standards; Programme evaluation; Referral; Social Services; Sociological research; Success; U.S.A; Youth; Pennsylvania (Philadelphia); Philadelphia
• ISSN: 0193-841X; 1552-3926
• DOI: 10.1177/0193841X0002400504

In program evaluation, determining whether a program is reaching its goals is key to evaluating program success. Having an understanding of the stated goals of each organization within a system rather than simply knowing the formal system goals can aid in program development and inform policy making. Evaluability assessments were used initially as a means of learning how Philadelphia delinquency prevention programs define success. Subsequent surveys of programs were conducted to ascertain whether any changes in definitions of success had occurred. Examination of programs' definitions of success over time has facilitated program development and policy making.