What role do evaluation criteria play in program assessment?

Evaluation criteria are essential in program assessment as they define the standards and benchmarks against which the program's quality and effectiveness are measured. By establishing clear criteria, evaluators can systematically assess various aspects of the program, such as its outcomes, processes, and overall impact. This structured approach enables stakeholders to make informed decisions based on data and evidence, ensuring that evaluations are objective and focused on relevant outcomes. As a result, the findings from the evaluation can lead to improvements and enhancements in the program based on its demonstrated effectiveness in meeting its intended goals. Thus, the specified evaluation criteria are foundational for assessing the success and areas for improvement within any program.