| The purpose of this study was to develop an evaluation plan for on-going research and exemplary projects funded through the Division of Vocational Education in Florida's Department of Education. A decision-centered approach to evaluation was used as a basic framework, and information requirements derived from the Division's staff provided the focus for the evaluation plan development. Specifically, the researcher developed plans and procedures which would help address the following questions: (1)Is the project progressing in relation to the proposed timeline; (2)Is the project achieving the objectives established; and (3)Are there any potential problem areas in regard to conformity to project design? In addition, information would be available for the following decision situations: (1)to provide a rational and logical justification for committing additional resources in a timely manner and (2)to provide a plan for effectively scheduling and utilizing available resources. Along with developing a plan which would effectively evaluate projects, it seemed desirable to also develop a plan which would evaluate proposals.;The researcher recommended that the plans and procedures for evaluating research and exemplary proposals and projects be submitted to the Bureau of Research, Dissemination and Evaluation in Florida's Division of Vocational Education for their support and implementation. Full benefit from the results of this study can be obtained with the following activities: (1)inservice sessions to provide Bureau evaluators with the procedures necessary for the successful implementation of the total instrument; (2)modification of the instrument, as necessary, after implementation; and (3)adaptation of the instrument for evaluating curriculum, guidance and counseling, and evaluation proposals and projects supported by the Bureau.;The evaluation plans and procedures were critiqued by a jury of qualified persons in evaluation to establish validity; two of the plans were field tested to establish interrater reliability. The consensus of participants in this study is that the plans developed will be useful to the Division of Vocational Education for evaluating their preliminary proposals, proposals, projects, and final products. The evaluation plans were considered by the participants to be systematic, detailed and complete, objective, and decision-oriented. |
