1. Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and
Development Training Units
Evaluation Proposal to Far West Laboratory for Education Research and Development
Submitted by:
Evangeline Beaver Consulting Evaluation Solutions Services
2. Introduction
Far West Laboratory for Educational and Research Development (FWL) of Boise, Idaho,
submitted a Request for Proposal (RFP) to evaluate a training program. This proposal, submitted
by Beaver Consulting Evaluation Solutions Services (BSESS), is in response to Far West
Laboratory’s request. The purpose of this response is to present both evaluation and
recommendations to FWL to assist them in decision-making regarding the training materials,
such as whether to move forward with the investment and to expand the DIP training program.
Program Description
The program being evaluated, Determining Instructional Purposes (DIP), is a training package
developed as a solution for training graduate students and school administrators so they can plan
and implement academic programs. It entails three training units:
• Unit 1: Setting Goals (10-15 hours training)
• Unit 2: Analyzing Problems (12-18 hours training)
• Unit 3: Deriving Objectives (10-15 hours training)
In each unit, the reading materials have four to six modules that include a Coordinator’s
Handbook that can be downloaded as a PDF file. In addition, the training package is available in
print form (155 to 259 pages). The modules can be used individually or in a small group. Each
unit encompasses reading materials, group activities, and achievement feedback. In essence, the
training package is projected for use in a short-term workshop or in individual sessions that
enable a trainee to focus on specific skills. Training units are available at the following prices:
• Individual units: $8.95
• Three sets: $24.95.
• Coordinator’s Handbook per copy: $4.50 (can be purchased separately)
The Coordinator’s Handbook is used for organizing and monitoring the activities of the
participants. Each unit can be self-contained or combined with other units. Units may be used in
short-term training sessions or individual sessions for several weeks or months.
Evaluation Method
The purpose of this evaluation is to provide a recommendation for the dissemination of the units.
BCESS will gather information on the content of DIP materials and make recommendations to
FWL to assist in the decision-making process. In addition, this evaluation will be useful to
school administrators who are considering the purchase of the three units. The evaluation is an
essential component required to determine if FWL needs to pursue the creation of the DIP
training program. Interviews, surveys, and analysis from collecting data will be used to produce
a final evaluation report.
In the evaluation, school administrators and graduate students are to take part prior to the
training. It is the aim of BCESS to ask all training participants to complete a pre-survey and
post-survey to evaluate the effectiveness of training and facilitation. The DIP training program
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3. will be evaluated based on several evaluation strategies, which will be discussed below.
BCESS will assess the training materials to determine the effectiveness of the instruction.
Previous and current practice of the DIP training program will provide valid information about
the impact of the program. In addition, the marketing information will be examined to compare
prices with competitors. The purpose of evaluating the training and marketing materials is to
gather information and align that information with the objectives of the training materials.
The pre-survey will be Likert-type to assess the effectiveness of the training session and identify
strengths. Did the participants learn? Did the participants feel the training met expectations?
Did the participant horizons expand? The interview will be piloted with all participants. The
interview questions will be asked to provide background information concerning the emerging
DIP training materials and communicate marketing concerns, such as the target audience, as well
as sharing essential information for valuable assessment.
The post-survey will be used to evaluate decision-making based on new knowledge and further
growth. The purpose is to find out if participants accomplish the objectives as outlined in the
program standards. Did the participants make progress in the training program? Should the
FWL market the DIP training program package?
To determine the market of the current DIP training program, records will be reviewed in
previous and current FWL training, as well as interviews with program coordinators to assess
implementation and organize pertinent data for assessment. Financial data will also be reviewed
to determine the viability of the overall training programs and collect all information. In
essence, this assessment is to determine if the administrators participating in the training find the
three units worth investments.
The following task schedule highlights the process, whose responsible for completing each task,
and deadlines for completion:
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4. Task Schedule
Task Responsible Deadline Date
1. Meet with FWL BCESS August 27, 2012
2. Gather information from FWL Program BCESS August 28, 2012
Coordinator/staff and review the document.
3. Create pre-survey and post-survey BCESS August 29, 2012
questionnaires for data collection.
4. Select trainees for the sample population. BCESS September 3, 2012
5. Administer survey to the sample population. BCESS September 10, 2012
6. Interviews with program coordinators to BCESS September 5, 2012
assess implementation and organize pertinent
data for assessment.
7. Conduct training in the sample population. BECESS September 10, 2012
8. Summarize gathered data. BECESS September 21, 2012
9. Assess and analyze data from surveys. BECESS October 2, 2012
10. Write and submit a final evaluation report BECESS October 23, 2012
to FWL.
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5. Project Personnel
Evangeline Beaver, M.E.T. and CEO of Beaver Consulting Evaluation Solution Services will
coordinate all assessment standards. Ms. Beaver has been the CEO of BCESS for twenty-two
years and continues to lead the BCESS analysis team. In addition, according to personnel
policies and procedures, she effectively manages the human resources of the organization, and
she has supervised a field assessment of the Refugee Mentoring Program. Her expertise also
includes training professionals.
BreAnn Sinju Shulsen, senior evaluation coordinator, will create all relevant tools for
assessment. Ms. Shulsen has a remarkable proficiency in evaluation design and a master in
higher education from Boise State University, Boise, Idaho. The Foundational Studies Program
has honored her for her work in comparing Instructional Course Evaluation tools.
Jennifer Bauer, administrative assistant to the CEO has a B.A. in communication and business
from the University of Idaho, which is located in Moscow, Idaho. Ms. Bauer has worked on
thirty projects similar to this proposal and will assist in all areas and demonstrate her expert
organizational skills. Ms Bauer will collect data, assist instruction, review and evaluate
completed surveys, as well as assist in training sessions during the entire program. She is also the
contact person for FWL training participants.
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6. Budget
Personnel
Personnel Rate Days Total
Evangeline Beaver $500 40 $20,000
BreAnn Sinju Shulsen $400 40 $16,000
Jennifer Bauer $210 25 $ 5,250
Total $41,250
Travel-State mileage rate effective Jan. 1, 2009
Travel Rate Miles Total
Evangeline Beaver 45.5.55 cents 1000 $ 455
BreAn Sinju Shulsen 45.5.55 cents 800 $ 364
Jennifer Bauer 45.5.55 cents 500 $ 227.50
Total $1,046.50
Supplies/Materials
Supplies/Materials Total
Printing Services $1,000
Office Supplies $ 500
Total $1,500
Total Expenses $43,796.50
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