Formative evaluation provides information that is used by program managers and staff to improve the program. Evaluative data is normally and frequently collected by program staff. They then use it to diagnose what is working in the program, what needs to be improved and how it can be improved.

Strategies for formative evaluation tend to be more informal. For example, a manager might observe the facilitator leading a group using the curriculum. Two surveys-one for the instructor and one for the participant-are included with this curriculum. The curriculum developers recommend that the information from these surveys be used to make adjustments in how the lessons are taught and the program implemented. The pretest on page 18 can be used as a self-assessment by instructors to identify interests and needs of participants at the beginning of the class.

Forms provided for formative evaluation activities:

• Self Assessment: Pretest -- Where Am I Now? Complete at beginning of the first session.
  
• Participant Records Form. Completed at the first session by parents.
  
• Parent Survey. Completed by participants at the end of each session.
  
• Instructor Summary. Completed by the instructor at the end of each session.

NOTE: If both the mother and father are participating in the program, each needs to complete their own pretest, participants records form, and parent surveys.