Setting Goals for Evaluation

• Goal setting is a critical element in program evaluation, established at the planning stage.
• Clear goals help define measurable objectives necessary for data collection.
• Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Evaluation concludes with an assessment of how well the program met its goals and objectives.
• Multiple objectives may be needed to address a single goal effectively.
• Goals guide the overall direction of the evaluation process and data collection efforts.

Example of Evaluation in Practice

• Case Study: Evaluating Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance program across three states.
• Process indicators included the number of classes offered and participant attendance rates.
• Impact indicators showed improvements in functional mobility and self-reported health status.
• Participants’ Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores improved significantly, indicating enhanced mobility.
• The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the program in increasing participants’ confidence about falling.
• This example illustrates the importance of both process and impact evaluations in assessing program success.