Topic: The Arrest Policies Project Program in Greenville, Mississippi
(** This was just a topic of interest).
The assignments in this course build on one another to culminate in your Program Evaluation Plan. In order to plan a program evaluation, we must first understand the program and the needs of the population served. You may use the elements in bold below as headings in your paper. For this assignment, you will compose a 3 to 4-page paper (paper MUST be in APA) with the following components:
· Identify and describe a criminal justice program in your community (you may use the program described in Discussion Post #2).
· What is the mission of the program and the specific population served?
· What services does this program provide?
· In what way does this particular program address a significant need in the community? Make sure to cite the relevant information source to support the need for the program.
· In what way(s) would the program benefit from an evaluation?
· What are some ethical considerations in the planning and implementation of this program evaluation?
· If you were hired as an external evaluator to evaluate this program, what are some initial steps you would take to plan this evaluation?
The Rubric for Assignment 1 (Evaluation Framework Paper)
Criteria: Effectively selects a relevant criminal justice program in the community, with accurate descriiptions of the program, services provided, the community impact of the program, and the theoretical basis of the program.
0-2 points- A program is introduced; however, is not relevant to the field of criminal justice, and/or is not described in sufficient detail.
3-5 points -A relevant program is selected and supported; however, is not described in sufficient detail to best understand the purpose, function, and impact of the program. The theory behind the program is briefly described.
6-8 points-A relevant program is introduced and described in sufficient detail so that it is clear the student has a solid understanding of the program, including its purpose, function, and impact in the community. The theoretical basis for the program is explained in detail.
Criteria: Effectively outline a program evaluation at the chosen site, including potential benefits of an evaluation, evaluation model best suited for the program, ethical considerations relevant to the specific site, and initial steps to plan the evaluation.
0-1 points: Paper does not address and/or does not describe in sufficient detail the benefits of the evaluation, an appropriate evaluation model, ethical considerations, and initial steps to plan the evaluation.
2-3 points: Paper contains relevant information regarding the benefits of the evaluation, an appropriate evaluation model, ethical considerations, and initial steps to plan the evaluation, but does not describe these in sufficient detail.
4 points: Paper presents a clear and descriiptive outline for the evaluation, including strong support for the benefits of the evaluation, the proposed model to be used, ethical consideration, and initial steps to plan the evaluation.
Criteria for APA: Adheres to APA format; well-written.
0-1 points: Multiple errors in APA format; errors from previous papers not corrected in subsequent papers. Writing poorly edited; awkward construction and/or poor flow of ideas.
2-3 points: Some APA errors. Writing shows evidence of self-editing with some construction and/or flow problems.
4 points: Accurate use of APA format with minimal errors. Coherent development of the ideas using well-formed sentences and flowing paragraphs.
