What is a sound approach to evaluating the impact of a new school program?

• A. Implement and assume success.
• B. Focus only on student surveys.
• C. Define outcomes, use baseline data, control for confounds when possible, collect process data, and conduct cost-benefit analysis.
• D. Ignore data.

Answer: (C)

A solid approach to evaluating a new school program is to plan a data-driven assessment from the start. Start by clearly defining what outcomes you want to improve and then collect baseline data so you can see what changes occur after you implement the program. If possible, compare to a similar group or use a design that controls for other factors that could influence results, so you’re more confident that observed changes come from the program itself rather than outside influences. Collecting process data is also important because it shows how faithfully the program was implemented and what aspects of implementation might affect outcomes. Finally, conduct a cost-benefit analysis to weigh the benefits against the resources invested, helping determine whether the program is worth sustaining or expanding. This combination provides credible evidence about impact rather than relying on optimism, incomplete measures, or no data at all.