Outcome-Based
Evaluation
A Working Model for
Arts Projects
Section 2: Building a Project |
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When should I begin to consider an evaluation plan for my project?
While it is possible to craft an evaluation plan for an existing project,
it is often most helpful to consider an evaluation plan as a project is
being formed. That way, the project is configured to collect information
that will help answer the project’s evaluation questions; specifically,
whether you anticipate the project will result in changes in people’s
attitudes, behavior, knowledge or skills.
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The purpose of
the project needs to be clearly defined. The project purpose should be
driven by the needs of the population to be served and there should be
a linkage to the organization’s mission. The purpose defines the
population served, the services to be delivered, and the benefits to be
achieved. A purpose statement should answer three questions: we do what,
for whom, for what outcome or benefit?
Project purpose statements are the launching point for
considering the elements of a project and ways the project will benefit
the target audience. The benefit or benefits identified at this point
might be general in nature and describe the general characteristics of
change anticipated by your audience. Later, as you work with staff and
project partners, you will need to further clarify what the project’s
benefits are and how they will be measured. |
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The following example
is fictitious and used to illustrate the elements of a project. It is not
an example of a real project funded by NEA. |
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Project Example: Theaters
in Schools. . A theater-high school collaboration will provide acting
workshops, instruction in theater production and direction, and full production
of theater performances for students and faculty of Jefferson and Trumont
high schools. As a result of this project, students will demonstrate knowledge
of and interest in acting, theater direction, and production. |
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Example of Project Purpose: The
purpose of “Theaters in Schools” is to provide workshops,
instruction in theater production and direction, and full production of
theater performances for students of Jefferson and Trumont high schools
so that students:
- Demonstrate knowledge of acting, theater direction,
and production, AND
- Demonstrate interest in theater.
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<Prev.
Page | Index | Next Page> |
Introduction | Building
a Project | Evaluating the project | Reporting |
