What type of goals should school counselors establish for effective program evaluation?

For effective program evaluation, it is essential for school counselors to establish goals that are specific and measurable. Specific goals provide clarity on what is to be achieved and outline precisely what success looks like. When goals are measurable, it allows for the evaluation of progress and outcomes in quantifiable terms. This approach not only helps in tracking the effectiveness of a program but also facilitates data-informed decision-making that can lead to program enhancements.

Specific and measurable goals enable counselors to define target outcomes, assess the extent to which those outcomes are being met, and identify areas for improvement. For instance, instead of a vague goal like "improve student well-being," a specific and measurable goal would be "increase the percentage of students reporting positive well-being by 15% over the next school year." This clarity helps in designing appropriate interventions and assessments, ultimately leading to more effective counseling programs that benefit students.