Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to understand the distinctions between agency and programs goals and objectives and to articulate an understanding of SMART objectives.
Instructions
Define and briefly describe the following:
- Agency mission statement
- v
- Programs
- Program goals
- Program objectives
Identify and briefly define the three (3) types of program objectives explained in the text; provide an example of each.
Identify and briefly define the five (5) SMART characteristics that should be included when writing program objectives.
Initial Post Prompt:
Your original, substantive post should be 300-350 words.
Prior to submitting your posts, check them for appropriate grammar, spelling, and formatting. Your discussion posts must include at least 2 professional references to receive full credit. Professional references can include the textbook(s), assigned readings and resources, as well as appropriate government, organizational, or professional publications, reports and websites.
RESOURCES
Textbook Readings
Grinnell, R., Gabor, P., & Unruh, Y. (2019). Program evaluation for social workers: Foundations of evidence-based programs (8th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
- Chapters 5, 8, 15
W.K. Kellogg Foundation. (2010). The step-by-step guide to evaluation: How to become savvy evaluation consumers.
PEERS RESPONSE (EXAMPLE, MIGHT BE HELPFUL)
What is an agency? An agency is a “social service organization that exists to fulfill a broad social purpose; it functions as one entity, is governed by a single directing body, and has policies and procedures that are common to all of its parts” (Grinnell, 2019).
All agencies have mission statements that represent that agency and why they are there in that community. Mission statements gives an understanding to gain support of the community and stakeholders. “… a mission statement articulates a common vision for the agency and provides a point of reference for all of its major planning decisions” (Grinnell, 2019).
Agency goals are wide limitless goals that they wish to achieve. Goals are based on the values and the mission statement that the agency represent. To for a goal, the following components are needed to form goals: “1. The nature of the current social problem to be tackled 2. The client population to be served 3. The general direction of anticipated client change, and 4. The means by which the change is supposed to be brought about” (Grinnell, 2019).
Programs are developed when an agency seeks to serve the population that are in desire for help. “… an agency sets up programs to help work toward its intended result – the agency goal” (Grinnell, 2019).
Program objectives are quantifiable of program goals and client end result that wish to execute and accomplish. “All program objectives mush be client-centered; they must be formulated to help a client in relation to the social problem articulated by the program’s goal” (Grinnell, 2019).
Programs objectives are on three areas: 1. Knowledge 2. Affects, and 3. Behaviors. Examples on how social workers help with program objectives are: Knowledge would be knowing how to help a client achieve their GED, Affects of how achieving a GED will do financially, and Behavior on discipline and reaching the goal.
SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely Manner. Programs need to be specific for that community, program objectives need to be measurable – if it is not measurable then the program is not objective, Programs need to achievable, Realistic program objectives go hand in hand with achievable goals, and programs need to have a time frame in which the objective will be measured and if the goal was met in that time frame.
Grinnell, R., Gabor, P., & Unruh, Y. (2019). Program evaluation for social workers: Foundations of evidence-based programs (8th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
