Program Evaluation
What type of strategy was used to demonstrate program effectiveness?
The use of A-B-A research design was used to assess the effectiveness of the Applied Recidivism Reduction Alternatives (ARRAY), an adult counseling program integrated into the
framework of cognitive-behavioral theory to provide interventions for offenders with mental illness (Cox et al., 201). The other strategy used was the Survey of Program Quality Attributes (SPQA) (Warden & Benshoff, 2012). This strategy was used to test the Engagement Theory program (ETPQ) in counseling and related educational programs (CACREP). The SPQA facilitated quantitative testing as well as student satisfaction and quality of engagement theory programs.
How could these studies be expanded to provide comprehensive program evaluation, as described in this chapter?
In the evaluation of the ARRAY program comprising of offenders wi
th mental illness, some of the aspects that could be expanded to facilitate further of the program include the following. The expansion of the study’s baselines to incorporate multiple baselines will provide more accurate deductions on the causal effects hence facilitate a higher accuracy comparison of treatment progress. Increasing the number of participants will facilitate ARRAY randomization as well as strengthen the finding of the study (Cox et al., 2015). In future studies, other diagnostic assessment instruments such as behavioral symptoms inventory should be used instead of the Patient Health Questionnaire, which has not
been used mainly for offenders with mental health illness.
In the study evaluating program quality of engagement theory in the education programs of accredited counselors, some of the expansions that could be made include; increasing number of CACREP programs tested in the study as well as noncredited education programs for counselors (Warden & Benshoff, 2012). Future studies may provide comparisons of the ETPQ’S rating with the participant’s demographic characteristics.
How do these studies contribute to accountability in counseling services?
The study on EPTQ facilitates the educators’ evaluation of the counseling students, which enhances the training of professional counselors. The assessment of counselor’s education programs through outcome-based standards demonstrates that counseling students experience quality learning: this strengthens quality assurance and accountability. The study on the ARRAY program provides counselors in correctional facilities that can offer treatment interventions that lead to a reduction of criminal recidivism and the severity of psychiatric symptoms (Cox et al., 2015). The findings of this study ensure that counselors provide treatment-oriented inter
ventions.
References
Warden S., P. & Benshoff J., M. (2012) Testing the engagement theory of program quality in CACREP-Accredited Counselor Education Programs. Counselor Education & Supervision. The American Counselling Association. (21)127-140)
Cox, R., M., Lenz S., James R., K. (2015). A Pilot evaluation of the ARRAY program with offenders with mental illness. Journal of counseling and development. The American Counselling Association.93(471-480)