Office of Evaluation Research and School Improvement

The Office of Evaluation Research and School Improvement in The University of Alabama’s College of Education, provides comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, measurement, and research services to determine the effectiveness and impact of research, training, and service programs across the campus, the state, and the nation. We conduct program monitoring and evaluation to inform decisions and policy to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and results.  

Mission

It is the mission of The University of Alabama Office of Evaluation Research and School Improvement to provide high quality evaluation services that will improve translation into practice.

The University of Alabama Office of Evaluation adheres to the Five Guiding Principles of Evaluation as set forth by the American Evaluation Association.

What is Evaluation?

Governments, businesses, not-for-profit agencies, philanthropic foundations, and international organizations around the world use evaluation evidence to find out what is and is not effective. 

Generally, people think program evaluation s answers the questions, “Does a program work?” and “How can the program be improved?” 

But, program evaluation answers deeper questions such as, 

  • “How do you know your program is or is not good?” 
  • “What are your criteria?” 
  • “On what data do you base your judgment?” 
  • “What results were you expecting?” 

Finding the answers to such questions helps our stakeholders make decisions on how to apply what they have learned. This could include allocating resources, developing staff, purchasing products, and implementing programs. 

Independent evaluations ensure that stakeholders have reliable, unbiased information on how funds are being spent and what is being accomplished.

Five Guiding Principles of Evaluation

Systematic Inquiry — conduct systematic, data-based inquiries

Competence —  provide competent performance to stakeholders

Integrity/Honesty —display honesty and integrity and attempt to ensure the honesty and integrity of the entire evaluation process

Respect for People — respect the security, dignity and self-worth of respondents, program participants, clients, and other evaluation stakeholders

Responsibilities for General and Public Welfare — articulate and take into account the diversity of general and public interests and values that may be related to the evaluation

–Courtesy of the American Evaluation Association

Dr. Karl Hamner

Director

Email: khamner@ua.edu

Dr. Hamner has been a social science and health researcher, program development and evaluation consultant, and training specialist for federal, state, county and community-based agencies. He has extensive experience conducting research and evaluation on multi-cultural health and social issues, as well as conducting professional development workshops and trainings on a wide range of topics. Throughout his career, he has written or directed the development of numerous successful grant proposals funded by a wide variety of federal agencies – including the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, Housing and Urban Development, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration – private and corporate foundations – including The California Endowment, The David & Lucille Packard Foundation, The Mott Foundation, and The Alcoa Foundation, and numerous state, regional and local agencies. He received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1993. 

Karl Hamner

Affiliates

  • Jill Beck, J.D., University of Alabama Youth Services Institute
  • Dr. Gregory Benner, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Dr. Daniel Cohen, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Dr. Julianne Coleman, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Melanie Ginn, President & CEO, Ginn Group Consulting
  • Dr. Faron Hollinger, President & CEO, The Akribos Group
  • Dr. Kristine Jolivette, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Dr. Michael Lawson, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Dr. David Walker, University of Alabama College of Education
  • Dr. Javonda Williams Moss, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work