The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Social Work
Course No:
SOWO 810 (Section 004)
Course Title:
EVALUATION OF SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTIONS
Semester:
Spring 2011 (Tuesday, 10:30 – 11:50AM, Room 101)
Instructor:
Kristina Webber, MSW
School of Social Work
Suite 245 – Tate Turner Kuralt Building
Cell Phone: 843.819.4258
Office Phone: 919.962.6467
kcwebber@email.unc.edu
(Note: I am best reached by email or cell phone.)
Office Hours:
Tuesdays 12:00–1:00pm and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students apply knowledge of research methods and evidence-based
practice to the evaluation of social work interventions by developing and conducting a detailed
evaluation of a specific social work intervention.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to draw from knowledge of research
methods and evidence-based practice, and work effectively with supervisors, colleagues, peers,
and consumers, to design, conduct, and disseminate the results of an evaluation of an
intervention, program, service or policy implemented by their placement agency or needed by
current or prospective consumers or program or policy planners. Specifically, students will
demonstrate:
1) Skills for reviewing and presenting information about the importance of a social
problem addressed by their agency, including its relation to discrimination based on
culture, economic status, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation;
2) The ability to consider this social problem in the context of current service delivery, and
critically determine a matter requiring evaluation related to client need, the process of
service delivery, or service outcomes;
3) The ability to design an appropriate evaluation, including describing a logic model,
identifying a sample, determining a suitable study approach; and selecting appropriate,
reliable, and valid measures (including consideration of validity for the targeted
population);
4) The ability to plan, conduct, and synthesize appropriate qualitative or quantitative
analyses;
5) The ability to apply knowledge of social work ethics and values to the design of practice
intervention or other types of evaluations;
SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
6) The ability to consider the implications of results for practice and policy (including
implications related to the agency’s success in working with clients from different
groups); and
7) The ability to summarize all of this material in a concise written document.
TEXTS AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1) Texts from SOWO 510:
 Royse, D.; Thayer, B.A.; Padgett, D.K. (2010) Program evaluation: An introduction.
(5th edition) Belmont, CA: Brooks-Cole.
 Rubin, R. & Babbie, E.R. (2010). Essential research methods for social work. (2nd
edition). Belmont, CA: Brooks-Cole.
 Hatry, H., van Houten, T., Plantz, M.C. & Greenway, M.T. (1996). Measuring
program outcomes: A practical approach. Alexandria, VA: United Way of America.
2) SOWO 510 online course materials, at https://sakaipilot.unc.edu/portal
Click the “Onyen Log In” button; type your username (your Onyen) and password; click
Login; You will “land” in your personal My Workspace area.
3) I will post our course materials, including syllabus, assignment information,
PowerPoints, and links to useful web sites on Blackboard, at http://blackboard.unc.edu
Note: Additional supplementary readings may be recommended or assigned at the
discretion of the instructor.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Student performance will be evaluated based on the assignments described below (detailed
instructions for each assignment will be available on Blackboard in the “Assignments” folder).
The student’s primary assignment in this course is an evaluation of an intervention, program,
service, or policy related to an important social problem that is addressed by the student’s
practice setting. Students are expected to evaluate consumer/program needs or the process
and outcomes of practice in their field placement, in the form of a needs, process, outcome, or
other type of assessment.
This semester-long evaluation will include:
 a focused literature review of the problem being addressed,
 formulation of the practice or policy related question(s),
 development of the evaluation design and sampling strategy, including selection of
measures,
 data collection,
 data analysis,
 writing a final evaluation report, and
 presenting the report.
The final project will be a written evaluation report using the format presented by Royse, Thyer,
& Padgett (Chapter 15); it will include an executive summary, introduction, review of the
literature, methodology, results, discussion, references, and appendices.
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
Phase Assignments
To ensure that the project is started promptly and can be completed during the semester,
students will complete five phased assignments. These assignments can be used to develop the
final evaluation report. Please bring a copy of each assignment to class (we will conduct peer
reviews of each other’s work). Detailed instructions for each Phase Assignment will be available
on Blackboard in the Assignments folder.
Combined Phase I and Phase II - Description of social problem and justification of evaluation


Social Problem: In no more than one to two double-spaced pages, briefly describe the
practice or policy related problem you will address and its importance. Include at least
three citations. If you plan to evaluate an intervention, provide a brief description of the
intervention or reference a treatment manual.
Justification: In no more than two double-spaced pages, write a brief description and
justification of the evaluation you plan to conduct, include ethical considerations as
appropriate, and evidence that suggestions for changes in service delivery are possible if
indicated by the results. In addition, clearly state your draft evaluation questions. Include at
least three citations.
Length: Maximum 4 pages
Due: Week 3 (Feb 1)
Value: 9%
Note for Phases I and II: The final paper will include a literature review with at least six
scholarly citations that are pertinent to the evaluation. Pay special attention to the
literature on relevant evidence-based practices in the area of study.
Phase III – Evaluation design
In no more than one double-spaced page, describe your evaluation design. Indicate the
type of evaluation you will implement (e.g., needs assessment, formative evaluation,
process evaluation, outcome evaluation), your research design, and the strategy you will
use to collect the data (e.g., focus groups, interviews, chart abstraction). Make sure to
include your targeted sample size and how you will identify and recruit your sample
participants (or obtain existing records).
Length: Maximum 1 page
Due: Week 4 (Feb 8)
Value: 7%
Phase IV - Draft instrument
Obtain/develop a draft of the data collection instrument you propose to use; this may be an
existing instrument, one your create, or a combination of the two.
Length: As needed
Due: Week 5 (Feb 15)
Value: 7%
Phase V- Draft data analysis plan
In no more than two double-spaced pages, create a data analysis plan that includes your
research question(s) and summarizes the data that will be available. Specify your analysis
strategy and which technique(s) you will use to answer your research question(s) (e.g., ttest for independent groups, ANOVA, correlations, interpretation strategy for qualitative
data).
Length: Maximum 2 pages
Due: Week 7 (March 1)
Value: 7%
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
Final Paper/Program Evaluation Report
The primary written assignment for this course will be an evaluation of an intervention,
program, service, or policy related to an important social problem that is addressed by the
student’s practice setting. It will incorporate the five phased assignments as well as the results
and interpretation of the findings. It will include an executive summary, introduction, review of
the literature, methodology, results, discussion, references, and appendices. The paper is
expected to require 10-12 pages, excluding the executive summary, references, tables/figures,
and appendices. Its organization is as follows, with approximate page allocations indicated in
parentheses:
Executive Summary: (1 page) – This one page summary will incorporate the introduction
through the discussion/interpretation as described below.
Introduction (1-2 pages) – The introduction should include a statement of the problem
to be addressed and its overall impact, such as evidence related to its prevalence (the
number of people in a population who have the problem), incidence (the number of
new cases over a period of time), and/or effect (the importance of the problem). This
section must explain why it is an important issue for social work practitioners to address
and ethical considerations for this evaluation, and end with an explication of the
research questions.
Relevance (Literature Review) (1-2 pages) – Previous empirical research pertaining to
relevant interventions, outcomes, or other matters specific to your population and
problem of interest should be reviewed concisely and critically in this section.
Methods (2 pages) – This section has the following four subsections: (1) Design, (2)
Sample, (3) Measures, and (4) Data analysis. If you are conducting an outcome
evaluation, describe the intervention in this section. Provide separate subheadings for
each section.
Results (2-3 pages) – This section will describe the results of your evaluation. If
quantitative methods are used, descriptive statistics should be presented first and
inferential statistics presented last. If qualitative methods are used, a description of the
analysis themes is to be provided with illustrative narrative comments included as
examples. Tables and figures should be used as appropriate, and are not included in the
page count.
Discussion/Interpretation (3 pages) – This section should include the following, in this
order: (1) a summary of your findings (e.g., related to the success of treatment, the
discovery of new client needs, or whether staff are operating with a consistent program
model); (2) a discussion of the implications of these findings and related
recommendations (e.g., to change service delivery in a focused way to improve
outcomes, better reach new clients, or assure consistency in service provision); (3)
plausible alternative explanations for your findings; (4) a discussion of the limitations of
your evaluation; and (5) suggestions for further evaluation (e.g., given the limitations of
your initial design, how the next evaluation can be improved). This section should
conclude with a discussion of the importance of your findings to social work practice
and research.
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
References – Provide an accurate list of all cited sources.
Tables, Figures – Tables and figures are suggested to display your results. Typically, the
first table describes the sample.
Appendix – Include copies of any scales or questionnaires used in your evaluation and
other relevant information.
The complete evaluation report should follow APA formatting, and should follow the structure
and suggestions presented in Royse, Thyer, & Padgett, Chapter 15. Detailed instructions and a
grading guide will be available on Blackboard in the Assignments folder.
Length: Maximum 10-12 pages
Due: Week 14 (April 26)
Value: 50%
Oral presentation: Most evaluation findings are presented orally to stakeholders. Throughout
the course, students will present to their classmates and answer their questions. The final
presentation will allow students to present their overall projects as they would to those within
their agencies.
Length: 10 minute presentation
Due: Weeks 13 & 14
Value: 10%
Class participation: Everyone will receive a base score of 100 for participation, in recognition of
a norm of attendance, contributions to in class exercises, and informed participation in class
discussion. Points will be deducted from the base score if you miss class, are late, are
unprepared, or do not actively participate.
Value: 10%
GRADING SYSTEM:
Components
Phase assignments 1 through 5
Evaluation report (final paper)
Evaluation presentation
Class participation & attendance
Proportion
30%
50%
10%
10%
The School of Social Work operates on an evaluation system of Honors (H), Pass (P), Low Pass
(L), and Fail (F). The numerical values of these grades are:
H: 94-100
P: 80-93
L: 70-79
F: 69 and lower
A grade of P is considered entirely satisfactory. The grade of Honors (“H”) — which only a
limited number of students attain – signifies that the work is clearly excellent in all respects.
EXPECTATIONS FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
All written assignments for this course should conform to American Psychological Association
(APA) style guidelines.
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association, 6th Edition. Washington, D.C.: Author.
Students are expected to use good academic English; grades will be lowered for poor grammar,
syntax, or spelling. Those who have difficulty writing are strongly encouraged to seek resources
or assistance from the campus Writing Center http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/ or the
School of Social Work’s Writing Support Team http://ssw.unc.edu/students/writing
POLICY ON INCOMPLETES AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
A paper is considered late if it is handed in any later than the start of class on the day it is
due. Grades for papers submitted late without prior approval will be reduced 10% per day,
including weekends. Therefore, a paper that would merit a grade of 100 on Friday will receive a
grade of 70 if submitted on Monday. Similarly, a paper due at 10:30am on Tuesday handed in
at 1pm will be considered 1 day late. No incomplete grades will be given except in accordance
with University policy.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
It is the responsibility of every student to obey and to support the enforcement of the Honor
Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing in actions involving the academic processes of
this class. Students will properly attribute sources used in preparing written work and will sign
a pledge on all graded coursework certifying that no unauthorized assistance has been received
or given in the completion of the work. All written assignments should contain a signed pledge
from you stating that, “I have not given or received unauthorized aid in preparing this written
work.” If you have any questions about what compliance with this expectation entails, please
don’t hesitate to speak with me. In keeping with the UNC Honor Code, if reason exists to
believe that academic dishonesty has occurred, a referral will be made to the Office of the
Student Attorney General for investigation and further action as required.
POLICY ON ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Students with disabilities that affect their participation in the course and who wish to have
special accommodations should contact the University’s Disabilities Services
(http://disabilityservices.unc.edu) and provide documentation of their disability. Disabilities
Services will notify the instructor that the student has a documented disability and may require
accommodations. Students should discuss the specific accommodations they require (e.g.
changes in instructional format, examination format) directly with the instructor.
POLICY ON THE USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN THE CLASSROOM
Please set your cell phones to vibrate. Use of laptops is permitted only as a tool for small group
activities and in-class assignments or as an approved accommodation for students with
disabilities (see above).
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
COURSE OUTLINE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Week 1 –
January 18
Introduction to Evaluation of Social Work Interventions
Content
Overview of the course and required assignments
Insights from your review of SOWO 510
Discussion of how to:
1. Identify issues to evaluate in a practice setting
2. Form evaluation problem statements
Relevant Readings to Review:
Rubin & Babbie: Chapter 4 and Appendix A
Royse et al.: Chapters 1 and 15
Hatry et al.: Step 1
Assignment: Meet with your field supervisor and your faculty liaison, if available, to share your
syllabus for SOWO 810, and discuss ideas for your practice or policy related problem and the
proposed evaluation. Be prepared to report out on this meeting in Class 2 (January 25)
Week 2 –
January 25
Development of Evaluation Justification
Content
Small group discussion of draft evaluation questions, results/insights from discussion with field
placement supervisor/faculty liaison
Discussion of how to develop evaluation justification
Discussion of ethical issues faced in evaluations
Relevant Readings to Review:
Rubin & Babbie: Chapters 15 and 16
Royse et al: Chapter 2
Week 3 –
February 1
Development of Evaluation Designs
***Combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 Paper Due***
Content
Small group discussion of problem statement and evaluation justification
Discussion of how to develop:
1. Proposal evaluation designs
2. Evaluation logic models
Relevant Readings to Review:
Rubin & Babbie: Chapters 10, 11, 12, and 13
Royse et al.: Chapters 5 and 9
Hatry et al.: Step 2
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
Week 4 –
February 8
Development of Data Collection Instruments
***Phase 3 Paper Due***
Content
Small group discussion of evaluation design plans
Discussion of how to develop and search for appropriate data collection instruments
Relevant Readings to Review:
Rubin & Babbie: Chapters 6, 7, and 9
Royse et al.: Chapters 11 and 12
Hatry et al.: Steps 4 and 5 and Appendix
Week 5 –
February 15
Development of Evaluation Data Analysis Plans
***Phase 4 Paper Due***
Content
Presentation on statistical analysis strategies
Small group discussion of proposal data analysis plans
Relevant Readings to Review:
Rubin & Babbie: Chapters 17 and 18
Royse et al.: Chapter 14
Hatry et al.: Step 6
Week 6 –
February 22
Consultation on Evaluation Implementation
Whole class, small group or individual consultation on evaluation implementation issues
Week 7 –
March 1
Development of Proposal Statements of Implications for Agency Practice
***Phase 5 Paper Due***
Content
Small group discussion of evaluation plans
Discussion of how to interpret evaluation findings in a way that is relevant for service
planning and delivery
Relevant Readings to Review:
Royse et al.: Chapter 15
Hatry et al.: Step 8
*** NO CLASS ON TUESDAY, March 8 – SPRING BREAK***
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SOWO 810 Syllabus Spring 2011, Webber – REV.1/23/11
Week 8 –
March 15
Consultation on Evaluation Implementation
Whole class, small group or individual consultation on evaluation implementation issues
Week 9 –
March 22
Progress Review Session
Content
Small group reviews and discussion of evaluation progress
Discussion of how to write evaluation reports and funding proposals
Required Readings (NOTE THAT READINGS THIS WEEK ARE REQUIRED)
Rubin & Babbie: Appendix A and B
Royse et al.: Chapter 15
Weeks 10, 11, 12 Consultation on Evaluation Implementation
March 29
April 5
April 12
Whole class, small group or individual consultation on evaluation implementation issues
Week 13 –
April 19
Presentation of Student Projects
Content
Presentations on evaluation projects (may include PowerPoint slides or posters).
Readings
None assigned.
Week 14 –
April 26
Presentation of Student Projects (cont’d)
***Final Evaluation Papers Due***
Content
Presentations on evaluation projects (may include PowerPoint slides or posters).
Course review and evaluation
Readings
None assigned.
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