Evaluating an Educational Leadership Doctoral Program: What We Learned About the Program and Evaluating Doctoral Programs

• In Event: 58.063 - Developing Practitioners

Abstract

This presentation includes background on the Educational Leadership doctoral (EL Ed.D.) program; the evaluation approach and design; findings and considerations; and implications for practice, including subsequent evaluation of the program and lessons learned for evaluating doctoral programs. The evaluation approach included components of Kirkpatrick’s (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2006) four-level evaluation framework; Kaufman, Keller, and Watkin’s (1995) five levels of organizational concern and evaluation; and Patton’s (2008) utilization-focused evaluation. Findings indicate that the EL Ed.D. program is effective in facilitating the professional growth of educational leaders; more information is needed to determine how this growth has impacted schools and institutions of higher learning. Findings also resulted in several considerations for improving the program. These considerations and implications for practice will be discussed.

Authors

• Tamara M. Walser, University of North Carolina - Wilmington

• Jessica Rivenbark, University of North Carolina - Wilmington