| Critique of Evaluation Reported in the Popular Press (Individual) |
| It is not uncommon that the findings of some major evaluation are reported in the popular press. However, it is also common that the findings are misreported or exaggerate the positive or negative findings from the evaluation. This assignment is designed to help you learn how to read the news related to such findings with a critical eye. For this assignment you are to find a report of a major policy or program evaluation that was reported in the popular press (e.g., New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time, etc.) and critique the evaluation in a 2 – 3 page memo. Since virtually every evaluation has a weakness, you should approach your review assuming that the evaluation was poorly done and try to look for possible weaknesses to critique. Does the news report suggest any problems? Does it potentially oversell the findings? In short, be critical. |
| Your memo should provide a concise summary and critique of the study. Your critique should be based strictly on the information contained (or not contained) in the article. It should also identify the relevant information that should have been included for the reader to make a proper judgment and interpretation of the evaluation findings. You are not to read the original study. You are required to submit a copy of the article (preferably in electronic form) that you reviewed that is suitable for distribution to your classmates at a later date. |
| Presentation |
| You will not be required to make a formal presentation, however, when the written assignment is due you should be prepared to discuss your findings in class. |