A PROGRAM EVALUATION OF THE LEARNING FOCUSED MODEL IN CRAVEN COUNTY

Abstract

This program evaluation was to provide guidance to school officials for future decisions regarding the Learning Focused Solutions Model. The program evaluation was conducted using the evaluation design by Daniel Stufflebeam called Context-Input-Process-Product (CIPP), which targets program improvement. The four areas examined in the evaluation are context, inputs, processes, and product. The guiding questions for the four areas are: What is the target population and its needs? What are the inputs and resources of the Learning Focused Solutions Model? How is the program monitored? How will the results of the monitoring be tallied? What are the End of Grade Test results during the third year of implementation? What are the results of the walkthrough data? The program evaluation found the target population of third through eighth grade students needed to improve proficiency scores in math. The following recommendations were provided as a result of this determination: (1) The evaluator does not feel the evaluation provided enough evidence to support continuing a district-wide requirement of the Learning Focused Solutions Model for math planning and instruction, therefore it is recommended to revisit the intended use of the Learning Focused Solutions Model. (2) A continuance of a high yield strategy use is recommended. (3) Development and implementation of a reliable monitoring tool for observing high yield strategies is recommended. (4) It is recommended Craven County educational leaders make a determination of its teachers' ability to teach math content and provide professional development to those who do not understand the content. (5) It is recommended that Craven County educational leaders should seek out the best math instructional programs and then provide instructional materials for teachers to use during math instruction. (6) It is finally recommended that universities place more focus on the pedagogy and strategies for teaching of math content.