Grant Evaluation Inc. (GEI) provides independent, accurate and timely evaluations that are custom designed to measure program outcomes and impact. We ensure that federal, state and foundation evaluation requirements are fully met. Grant Evaluation gives decision-makers the data and information needed to document success and achieve results.

This year more than 50,000 students will be tested on history content knowledge by GEI.

WHY GRANT EVALUATION INC.?

A SOLID EVALUATION PLAN IS CRITICAL TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY GRANT APPLICATION.

Evaluation is not just a useful tool, it is a mandated requirement. A solid evaluation plan can ensure a higher competitive rating by reviewers. GEI has a record of success, designing and implementing evaluations for 20 TAH grant awards. We will test more than 40,000 students this year related to TAH evaluations. GEI also is the evaluator for the National History Education Presidential Academy. GEI will team with you and write a rigorous and effective evaluation plan for your project ensuring that you not only meet, but exceed evaluation requirements.

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD PARTICIPANTS APPLAUDING AFTER BEING EVALUATED?

Evaluation does not have to be boring. GEI uses state of the art technology to engage participants in the evaluation process. Teachers actually look forward to taking a test with handheld response devices linked directly to questions and answers on a graphic full screen PowerPoint. Immediate results, and a mixture of humor and intrigue, bring test taking to a new level. GEI also uses custom scannable forms.

PEOPLE FRIENDLY EVALUATION

Evaluation should be useful, and user friendly. GEI surveyed more than 200 teachers to ask what impact they thought their TAH grant would have on their students. Rather than imposing goals and measures from the top or from some distant university office, GEI attends TAH educational sessions, talks with teachers, project instructors and staff, and customizes evaluation instruments to the TAH project and participants.

EVALUATION DESIGNED TO MEASURE RESULTS AND PROVIDE MEANINGFUL DATA

Grant Evaluation Inc. has extensive experience measuring the impact and effectiveness of Teaching American History grant initiatives. Evaluation results provide far more than a thumbs up or thumbs down to a program. Evaluation identifies the multifaceted effects of a TAH program on students and teachers, documents what works and what components work best, and can assist in improving and replicating results.

GEI research design includes the following elements.

• Pre and Post Test Annual Teacher Survey: Teacher knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of American History are measured through an annual pre and post survey designed by GEI and professional development instructors. GEI also measures class room practices and use of various resources in the pre and post test. These tests are completed by both project and comparison group teachers. It is estimated that no more than 30 minutes is required to complete the survey. (2 surveys of 2 teacher groups per year)

• Pre and Post Professional Development Survey: GEI has developed surveys designed to identify core background data and teacher satisfaction and knowledge impact of each professional development session. Assessment of individual instructors and session content is included to assist in future development planning. (6-8 surveys of all project teachers per year)

• Student Measures: Student knowledge, appreciation and understanding of American history are measured together with data collection on classroom practices and resource use from students of teachers in the project group and comparison group students. Separate tests for elementary and secondary levels are developed. It is estimated that 20-25 minutes of class time is required for the tests and results are anonymous. Tests are given before and after project topics are taught for each student group.

• Project Resource Development and Lesson Plans: GEI will quantify project products such as web site resources, teacher lessons development and use, resource use, and turnkey activity.

• Useful and User-Friendly Reports: GEI provides ongoing evaluation reports in a graphic and user-friendly format. Project administrators and teams can adapt their program based upon evaluation results.