This course explores alternative approaches to formative and summative evaluation of educational programs and standards for effective evaluations. Students consider epistemological, political, and practical issues involved in designing and conducting evaluations; critique specific studies relevant to educational administration and policy-making; and design an evaluation.

Students receive faculty guidance in dissertation research.

This course assists students in writing an outstanding dissertation proposal. The course is organized as a writing workshop, with ongoing collaborative study of the dissertation proposal genre and writing and discussion of drafts of portions of student proposals under development.