WELF 3023 Working with Human Service Organizations

Assessment 2 requires you to demonstrate your learning of evaluation theory from Lessons 6 to 10 by designing an evaluation plan for the following case scenario.

CASE SCENARIO: AASW Practice Standard (2013) 3.1.d stipulates that a good social worker 'Creatively adapts and modifies practice in order to work effectively and inclusively with people who have different and diverse cultural identities, values, affiliations, beliefs and customs'. You are tasked with the development of an OUTCOME evaluation plan for a training meant to enhance the capability of front line staff (that is, staff who interact directly with clients) to provide 'culturally competent' services in an agency where many of the clients are from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. [NOTE: There are philosophical arguments against the notion of 'cultural competence' but, for the purposes of this exercise, let us assume that all relevant stakeholders have no problem with it.] The 10-lesson training consisting of lectures and readings, individual exercises and video-conference chats will be delivered online by a third party (a contracted training provider). A total of 50 staff across two sites (25 staff X 2 sites = 50) are targeted. You are deliberately not involved in the delivery of the training because your role is to independently evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Your task is to verify the achievement of intended outcomes of the planned training. Will the training enhance the ability of 50 participants to deliver cultural competent services? In view of budget and scheduling considerations, the training in one site is scheduled in February next year while the training in the other site will not be until July of that year.

A comprehensive evaluation plan is not needed. All you need to present are details in four important areas. You need NOT include an introduction or conclusion. Use the following headings in preparing your assignment.

Program Logic Model 

Drawing on your learning about program logic in Lesson 7:

Discuss the significance of cultural competence in social work practice supported by relevant literature.

Present a model of the logic of the training (as a program).

Outline the important assumptions linking the activities to outputs and outputs to outcomes.

Outcome Indicators?Drawing on your learning about outcome indicators in Lesson 8:

Present three objectively verifiable long-term outcome indicators you will be using.

Explain why those indicators you selected are the most appropriate, supported by relevant literature.

Method ?Drawing on your learning about methods in Lesson 9:

Present one data-gathering method you will be using.

Explain why the method you selected is appropriate, supported by relevant literature. Include examples of three key items (for example, if your chosen method is interviews, give three key questions you will be asking).

Design & Sampling (Suggested Word Count: 400 to 500 words)

Drawing on your learning about design and sampling in Lesson 10:

Present the evaluation design and sampling method (From whom/where will the information come? How many? When?).

Explain why the design and sampling method you selected is appropriate, supported by relevant literature.