BSU EDTECH Student Blog

Job Titles and Program Evaluations

Just before this semester began, I saw an opening for a Quality Improvement Analyst posted on my university Web site. The position pays 5K more than my present job, so naturally I was interested.  Initially, I was not clear what the duties entailed, even though the responsibilities and qualifications were listed, including:
•    Plans data collection, and analyzes and interprets the data
•    Applies statistical methodologies
•    Conducts surveys utilizing sampling techniques
•    Evaluates reliability of source information
•    Develops and maintains data to support decision making

After my first week in EDTECH 505, I thought to myself, this is really a Program Evaluator position with the fancy title of Quality Improvement Analyst.  Before the course started, I had an idea of what a program evaluation was.  Now I have a better understanding of evaluations as systematic processes of data collection to determine strengths and weaknesses for decision-making purposes.  I found the coincidence and timing of reading the post and being able to apply my new, basic understanding of evaluations to be most interesting.  If this posting would have appeared after I completed EDTECH 505, and I had gained more knowledge about evaluation design and management, I might have applied for the position.

Then again, I may not have applied after careful consideration of the evaluator’s tasks, at least those related to decision-making models and how to best cut operating expenses.  This position is in the School of Adult and Continuing Education, where I used to work.  I have friends in the school and I’d be concerned about my subjectivity in developing and maintaining data that may support elimination of their program or position.   In any case, I have a lot to learn.  The topic I look forward to learning the most relates to the job qualification that I lack, namely experience with statistical packages such as Minitab, SPSS and SAS.  I have wondered about the programs and their applications, but now my curiosity is especially piqued.