Evaluation is an occasional and objective review which is used to determine if your Stairway to Health program is doing what it was intended to do. It compares what was expected, to what it actually achieved. The evaluation of your Stairway to Health Program should address the following questions:
Rationale - Why did our organization begin our Stairway Program?
Impacts and Effects - What has happened as a result of the activity?
Goal Achievement - Has our Stairway to Health program or activity achieved what was expected?
Value for Effort - Was the outcome of the program or activity worth the investment of time, effort and money?
Alternatives - Can we change or adapt our Stairway to Health program to better achieve the desired results. How do we overcome challenges or barriers we have encountered?
Considerations for Indicators
In order to answer the questions above be sure to measure success or lack of success against 'indicators' which relate to the design of your program?
Typical indicators for a Stairway to Health Program would include:
Each Stairway to Health Program is unique, and will need evaluation criteria, which address program differences. Sample evaluation questions are included in the Fact Sheets and Resource section for your use.
Evaluating your Stairway to Health Program - Sample questions