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Foundations of Empowerment Evaluation
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"This timely addition to a new genre of evaluation methodology eschews the objectivity of an external evaluation in favor of internal value-driven assessments that advance the goal of self-improvement through self-determination. Fetterman offers down-to-earth, clearly written descriptions and explanations of an approach that reconciles the contingencies of organizational practice with the standards and principles of evaluation accountability. He adroitly bridges the gap between the subjectivity of self-evaluation and the objectivity of external evaluation by showing with case examples and detailed methods, forms, and narrative why empowerment evaluation extends the reach of standard evaluation practice."

--Dennis Mithaug, Teacher's College, Columbia University

What is empowerment evaluation? When is it the most appropriate approach to use in an evaluation? How can it best be implemented? Aimed at demystifying empowerment evaluation, the book shows readers when to use this form of evaluation and how to more effectively use its three steps (developing a mission statement; taking stock by identifying and prioritizing the most significant program activities; and, charting a course for future strategies to accomplish program goals). Fetterman also illustrates the steps with four case examples, ranging from hospital to educational settings. In addition, he covers: how to use empowerment evaluation to meet the standards developed by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation; the caveats and concerns about the use of empowerment evaluation; the relationship between collaborative, participatory, stakeholder, and utilization-focused evaluation with empowerment evaluation; the role of the Internet in disseminating empowerment evaluation; and, an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, and conditions of empowerment evaluation. This book will guide evaluators exploration of their roles as coaches, facilitators and advocates as well as enable them to more effectively use this innovative evaluation technique.


 
Introduction
Introducing Empowerment Evaluation as Part of the Intellectual Landscape of Evaluation

 
 
Background and Theory
Exploring the Background and Theory of Empowerment Evaluation with Relevant Examples and Tools

 
 
Three Steps
Presenting the Three Steps of Empowerment Evaluation and Related Facets

 
 
Four Case Examples
Highlighting the Steps of Empowerment Evaluation with Four Case Examples

 
 
A High Stakes Case Example
Documenting the Utility, Credibility, and Rigor of Empowerment Evaluation in a High-Stakes Arena-Accreditation

 
 
The Standards
Applying the Standards to Empowerment Evaluation

 
 
Caveats
Discussing Caveats and Concerns About Empowerment Evaluation

 
 
A Dialogue
Distinguishing Empowerment Evaluation From Other Approaches

 
 
The World Wide Web
Using the Internet as a Tool to Disseminate Empowerment Evaluation Worldwide

 
 
Conclusion
Concluding by Speaking One's Truth About the Strengths, Limitations, and Conditions of Empowerment Evaluation

 

"Fetterman offers down-to-earth, clearly written descriptions and explanations of an approach that reconciles the contingencies of organizational practice with the standards and principles of evaluation accountability. He adroitly bridges the gap between the subjectivity of self-evaluation and the objectivity of external evaluation by showing with case examples and detailed methods, forms, and narrative why empowerment evaluation extends the reach of standard evaluation practice."

Dennis Mithaug
Teachers College, Columbia University

"Professor Fetterman’s book should be ready by all practicing evaluators and scholars in evaluation. It will very likely open the minds of traditional evaluators to new functions and roles of evaluation." 

Madhabi Chatterji
Columbia University

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Hardcover
ISBN: 9780803956681
$151.00

Paperback
ISBN: 9780803956698
$95.00