Module 3 - Career and Technical Education Program Evaluation: Why It Matters to Practitioners - Facilitator’s Guide

Oct 15, 2026

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Facilitator’s Guide for Module 3 of a six-part CTE Research Network practitioner training series, explaining why program evaluation matters for career and technical education (CTE). The module defines impact, distinguishes performance measurement from program evaluation, and outlines when and why to conduct evaluations. It covers key evaluation types, logic models and how to use them to assess outcomes, and best practices, with an agenda and time plan for related activities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Module Description

Module Objectives

Intended Audience

Materials

Time Requirements

Outline of Module

Facilitator’s Script/Notes for Module

References and Resources

Module 3: Career and Technical Education Program Evaluation: Why It Matters to Practitioners Facilitator’s Guide Authors: Marjorie Cohen Steve Klein Cherise Moore Reviewers: Pradeep Kotamraju Linda Romano Lyn Velle December 2020 | [CTEResearchNetwork.org | CTEResearchNetwork@air.org](CTEResearchNetwork.org | CTEResearchNetwork@air.org) 13200_12/20 Contents Page Overview.....................................................................................................................................3 Module Description .....................................................................................................................3 Module Objectives ......................................................................................................................3 Intended Audience ......................................................................................................................3 Materials .....................................................................................................................................4 Time Requirements ....................................................................................................................4 Outline of Module .......................................................................................................................4 Facilitator’s Script/Notes for Module ...........................................................................................5 References and Resources ...................................................................................................... 18 Overview This module is part of a series of six practitioner training modules developed as part of the CTE Research Network Lead. The six modules are: Module 1: Understanding CTE Data and Why It Matters Module 2: Using Data and Research to Improve CTE Programs Module 3: CTE Program Evaluation: Why It Matters to Practitioners Module 4: Using State Data to Partner With Researchers Module 5: Using Research to Design Your CTE Program for Equity Module 6: How to Communicate About Your CTE Program Using Research The work of the CTE Research Network Lead is supported by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education with funds provided under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act through Grant R305N180005 to the American Institutes for Research. The work of the Network member projects is supported by the Institute. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Institute or the U.S. Department of Education. Module Description Program evaluation is a critical tool for assessing if your program is working or not and why. Have you ever wondered why you can have all the right components in place and the results can still be ineffective at meeting your goals? Programs want to know if what they are offering students makes a difference—do your programs have an impact on student outcomes? Program evaluation can help to determine if program efforts are successful so that you can communicate this information to key stakeholders. In this module, you will learn about program evaluation, when and why to conduct an evaluation, the different types of evaluations, logic models, what it means to have an impact, best practices in program evaluation, and the difference between program evaluation and performance measurement. Module Objectives After viewing this module, practitioners will be able to: 􀂃 Define impact and what it means to have an impact. 􀂃 Explain the difference between performance measures and program evaluation. 􀂃 Explain why program evaluation is valuable for career and technical education (CTE) programs. 􀂃 Understand the different types of evaluation and their purpose. 􀂃 Identify best practices in program evaluation. 􀂃 Learn what a logic model is and how to use one to assess program outcomes. Intended Audienc

FAQs

What is the primary purpose of program evaluation in this module?

Program evaluation is used to determine whether a CTE program is working and why, including whether it makes a difference in student outcomes and helps communicate results to stakeholders.

How does the module differentiate performance measures from program evaluation?

It explains the difference between performance measures and program evaluation and focuses on how evaluation assesses impact and outcomes beyond basic performance indicators.

What role do logic models play in assessing program outcomes?

The module teaches what a logic model is and how to use it to assess program outcomes by clarifying connections among inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes.

Oct 15, 2026

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