Using the Purdue Three-Stage Model to Facilitate Local Program Evaluations

Abstract

Program evaluations conducted by district staff for the purpose of providing feedback to local decision makers are necessary for program improvement and accountability (Fetterman, 1993) can facilitate the creation of longitudinal data bases on the outcomes of gifted and talented programs. This research and development project was undertaken to design, implement, and evaluate a year-long staff development program to improve the evaluation skills of the participants. The Purdue Three-Stage Model (Feldhusen & Kolloff, 1978; Moon, 1994) was used as the theoretical framework for the training program developed. Results suggest that the self-evaluation training was effective in helping coordinators become more skilled program evaluators. Implications of the project for program evaluation, training of program administrators, and longitudinal research on the outcomes of gifted and talented programs are discussed.