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Michigan Department of Education
Program Evaluation Tool
Evaluation of strategies, programs, and initiatives to accelerate achievement and close achievement gaps is a
key step in the continuous school improvement process. In addition, all federal programs (Title I Part A, C, and D;
Title II, and Title III) require annual evaluation, especially when federal and/or state funds are used to support
such efforts. More importantly, evaluation represents good practice and will likely improve outcomes. The
Program Evaluation Tool can be used both during implementation to make mid-course corrections as well as
following implementation to identify why results turned out as they did and how to improve implementation that
will lead to increased student achievement.
Program / Strategy/ Initiative Description
What is the name of the program/strategy/initiative being evaluated?
(In addition to the name, identify whether it is a program, strategy, or initiative)
Provide a detailed description of the strategy/program/initiative being evaluated.
(Include population being served – number of students, grade, demographics, etc.; who is implementing;
delivery model; frequency of intervention; start date; assessments used to measure objectives, etc.)
What is the need being addressed by the strategy/program/initiative?
(Include the gaps identified using baseline/subgroup data)
What is the reason for selecting the strategy/program/initiative including intended results?
(Include the connection to the need cited above and the SMART objective(s) identifying intended results)
Cite the research supporting the strategy/program/initiative, including a brief summary of research findings
and targeted population.
(Research should be current and evidence-based with a brief summary)