Developing Evaluation Readiness: An Evaluability Assessment of Southeastern University’s English For Academic Purposes Program

• In Event: Strengthening Institutions of Higher Education in Changing Times

Abstract

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs operate internationally across institutions of higher education to advance English learners’ college readiness. While influenced by language and literacy theories, no uniform standards of best practice or definition of program theory and practice exist. In 2014, the EAP program at one Southeastern, land-grant institution was established to fulfill state college readiness requirements and serve part of its international student population. Now, EAP administrators wish to evaluate the program. To determine whether administrators were in a position to conduct formal program evaluation, researchers conducted an evaluability assessment using a pragmatic, constructivist approach. Findings suggested that the program was not ready for evaluation, due to a lack of clear, agreed-upon programmatic definitions and expectations among stakeholders. Consequently, researchers recommended several program objectives, student learning outcomes, a new program logic model, and recommendations to EAP program administrators on how to prepare the program for useful evaluation.

Authors

• Carolyn Oldham, University of Kentucky

• Thomas Teague, University of Kentucky