Evaluation in Today’s World. Veronica G. Thomas
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Praise for the Book
Using evaluation in today’s world is ultimately about humanity’s future. The stakes are huge. Evaluation use flows from quality. Quality in today’s world requires diversity. Whether evaluation contributes to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world will be determined by how—and how well—evaluators and stakeholders together meet the challenge to respect, promote, and improve quality, diversity, and use. Our collective future rests on those foundational pillars. This book is an outstanding contribution to the evaluation literature.
—Michael Quinn Patton, Utilization-Focused Evaluation
Finally! An evaluation textbook that not only provides information on the mechanics of evaluation practice but also explicitly acknowledges the role of structural racism and its influence on the field of evaluation. This textbook is a timely addition to the evaluation literature, and serves as a meaningful tool to examine and engage the intersections of evaluation, social justice, and privilege.
—Jori N. Hall, University of Georgia
This is the evaluation text I’ve been waiting for! It weaves together a comprehensive, inclusive history of the evaluation field with issues that face new and experienced practicing evaluators every day. It also brings to the fore topics not covered in other evaluation texts, such as evaluation ethics in practice, the hidden figures and influential women in evaluation, important epistemological shifts in the field, and the intersection of social justice and social programming. This will be a critical resource for all who want to make a difference through high quality evaluation practice.
—Leslie Goodyear, Education Development Center
Very rarely are issues related to race, class, and power discussed so eloquently and effectively within an evaluation text.
—John Ridings, The Institute for Clinical Social Work
Thomas and Campbell have taken topics that are often only alluded to in program evaluation texts and brought them to the forefront, highlighting the importance of understanding the diversity of society when developing effective evaluations.
—Marcus-Antonio Galeste, Arizona State University
This is a much-needed, useful, and relevant text that bridges the evaluation process and methods with our cultural, historical, and political climate. It integrates diverse activities, methods, and applications that will help prepare students to become successful future practitioners and evaluators.
—Karen Tinsley, Guilford College
This text covers the salient features of research and evaluation in clear language and includes the often-overlooked impact of cultural awareness and understanding throughout the research process. In an increasingly multicultural and complex society, the authors have created a resource to help budding researchers evaluate their goals, needs, and biases as they enter this fascinating field.
—Brenda S. Gerhardt, University of Dayton
This is the most comprehensive text on evaluation that I have seen. The section on ethics challenges students to reflect on their own beliefs and values, and how those might cause bias in evaluation.
—Sandra Handwerk, Albany State University
This text provides a strong voice to support the inclusion of social justice issues in evaluation planning, implementation, analysis, and reporting.
—Debra J. Dirksen, Western New Mexico University
Sara Miller McCune founded SAGE Publishing in 1965 to support the dissemination of usable knowledge and educate a global community. SAGE publishes more than 1000 journals and over 800 new books each year, spanning a wide range of subject areas. Our growing selection of library products includes archives, data, case studies and video. SAGE remains majority owned by our founder and after her lifetime will become owned by a charitable trust that secures the company’s continued independence.
Los Angeles | London | New Delhi | Singapore | Washington DC | Melbourne
In loving memory of my mother (Julia Myers Thomas) and father (Herman Thomas Sr.), who were, in their own quiet and unique ways, my first examples of civil rights warriors and activists for fairness and social justice.
—Veronica G. Thomas
To Jesse J. Campbell-Mortman, who at 10 is a fighter for fairness and justice.
—Patricia B. Campbell
Evaluation in Today’s World
Respecting Diversity, Improving Quality, and Promoting Usability
Veronica G. Thomas
Howard University
Patricia B. Campbell
Campbell-Kibler Associates, Inc.
Copyright © 2021 by SAGE Publications, Inc.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Thomas, Veronica G., author. | Campbell, Patricia B., author.
Title: Evaluation in today’s world : respecting diversity, improving quality, and promoting usability / Veronica G. Thomas, Howard University, Patricia B. Campbell, Campbell-Kibler Associates, Inc.
Description: Los Angeles : SAGE, [2021] | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020026040 | ISBN 9781544348162 (paperback) | ISBN 9781544348186 (epub) | ISBN 9781544348193 (epub) | ISBN 9781544348179 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Evaluation research (Social action programs)
Classification: LCC H62 .T4475 2021 | DDC 001.4—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020026040
Printed in the United States of America
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
Acquisitions Editor: Helen Salmon
Editorial