Program Theory - Beneficiary Assessment

Dr. Glynn Sharpe of Nipissing University defines Program Theory as the, "basis for evaluating relatively uncontrolled programs...focusing on specific outcomes...a conceptual basis for refining and improving existing programs and also support inferences about new programs." (Sharpe, 2011).

 A Beneficiary Approach

Better Evaluation Defines a Beneficiary Approach as, "An approach that assesses the value of an intervention as perceived by the (intended) beneficiaries, thereby aiming to give voice to their priorities and concerns." (BetterEvaluation.org) I will be using the data collected from my evaluation to determine if the stakeholders are benefiting from the anti bullying program as designed.

The World Bank Defines a Beneficiary Assessment as improving, "the impact of development operations by gaining the views of intended beneficiaries regarding a planned or ongoing intervention." (World Bank) My model evaluation will take into account and "give voices" (World Bank) to intended users who are both involved in and affected by the evaluation. Moreover, it will involve intended users in focus groups, forums facilitated by experts and online communities designed to provide more information regarding LGTBQ issues and rights, which will lead to a decrease in bullying and cyber-bullying of those in the LTGBQ community.

My Evaluation

The purpose of my evaluation is to improve the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland, Clarington, Catholic District School Board's Bullying and Cyber - Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. The policy's goals as listed are to, "Identify different manifestations and underlying factors of bullying, such as body image, racism, sexism, homophobia, disability, etc. "However, it is the belief of this evaluation that the PVNCCDSB does not go far enough in detailing those who are affected by bullying and cyber - bullying and thus indirectly contributes to the bullying and cyber - bullying of students who identify themselves in the LGTBQ community (the community with the highest reported rate of bullying and cyber - bullying in Canada). As such this evaluation seeks to determine ways in which the policy can be adjusted and explores different manners in which the rights of those in the LGTBQ community can be improved and so that PVNCCDSB schools can have a more inclusive, informed and healthy learning environment. 

Program Theory Model

As a part of designing my program evaluation I have designed a Program Theory that is conceptualized in a model that I have createdusing Mindomo.com and can be found by following this link. 

It will obtain timely feedback from all stakeholders through interviews, focus groups (direct feedback and observation), surveys (observation of online communities) and reviews of policy.

The Program Theory depicts both an Action Model and Change Model. Without the Action Model the Change Model (desired causes and effects as well as subsequent Outcome) could not occur. 

Furthermore, as one can see the occurrences within the Action Model are also causal and many necessary for another to occur. However, the two-way arrows linking the agents participating in the evaluation and the organization to which the inquiry will occur within, demonstrate the circular and necessary relationship between said agents and organization. In other words, they must work together to make the evaluation effective.

It also must further be noted that the Program Implementation is as a result of the Action Model. 

Also, resources must be input so to do the evaluation and the environment for the evaluation will remain constant and exist weather or not the evaluation takes place.