HSM 270 and HSM 240 Syllabus

College of Social Sciences

HSM/270

Programming Planning and Grant Proposal Writing in Human Services

Week One: Understanding Program Planning and Evaluation

Details

Due

Points

Objectives

1.1  Relate program planning to grant proposals.

1.2  Define key terminology related to program planning.

1.3  Compare program planning with program evaluation.

1.4  Identify political and technical aspects of program planning and evaluation.

Course Preparation / Biography Thread

Read the course description and objectives.

Read the instructor’s biography and post your own.  This is worth

5

points. [Chat Room Forum]

Day 1

Readings

Read Appendix A.

Read Ch. 1 of Practical Grant Writing & Program Evaluation.

Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

CheckPoint

Program Planning and

Grant Proposals

Explain the relationship between program planning and grant proposals. When describing each component, address their similarities and differences as well as how they relate to each other.

Post your explanation in 200 to 300 words.

Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Day 3

35

Program Planning Terminology

Complete the Program Planning Terminology Multimedia located at
http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/hsm270/images/program_planning_definitions.html

Imagine that you just received a new position as a program manager for a human services program.

Write a 200- to 300-word e-mail to a friend describing the new position and its responsibilities, incorporating all of the vocabulary words

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Day 5

25

Individual

Program Planning and Evaluation Paper

Read all of the fictional program scenarios in Appendix B and choose one to work with throughout the course.

Use the template: WK 1 Program Planning and Evaluation Paper Template located in the Course Materials Forum.

Compare program planning with program evaluation in human services organizations. Describe how the two components are related.

Identify specific examples of how program planning and evaluation interrelate in your chosen scenario in Appendix B.

Identify technical and political aspects of program planning and evaluation you might encounter in the program scenario you chose, and explain how these aspects could affect your planning and evaluation process.

Write a

80

0- to 1,050-word, APA-formatted paper that addresses the above issues.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

        
Do not write your paper in first and/or second person point-of-view.  Only use third person point-of-view.  You will lose all Readability and Style points if you do not use the correct point-of-view.
 
Example of first and second person point-of-view
:  I found literature that said you cannot walk on water because your body weight will cause you to sink below the surface. 
Instead write this using third person point-of-view
:  Researchers determined that people are unable to walk on water because their body weight will cause them to sink below the surface.

         You must include a Title and References page. 
You will lose all Mechanics points for failure to include a title and/or references page.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Day 7

Week Two: The Elements of Grant Proposal Writing

2   

2.1  Identify preplanning considerations important to the grant proposal writing process.

2.2  Explain the importance of grants in the human services field.

2.3  Discuss the various approaches to program evaluation.

Read Ch. 2 & 3 of Practical Grant Writing & Program Evaluation.

Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Participation

Participate in class discussion. [Main Forum]

Students are required to participate on three (3) days with a total of six (6) posts.  Two (2) of the six (6) posts must be responses to the Discussion Question Threads.

Discussion question responses must be at least 200 words in length
and must address
all
elements of any given question

Participation credit requires quality content participation.  This adds so much to our thought and learning!  You should have a minimum of five sentences and a minimum of

100

words (minus your signature block) to share a substantive post with the class.  Substantive posts also are professionally written, supported with facts, in proper format, with good spelling, grammar and citations (as necessary).

Day 1  – Day 7

Discussion Question 1

Post your response to the following using a minimum of 200 words:

Identify three considerations that should be part of the program and proposal preplanning process of grant proposal writing. Respond to your classmates’ posts by commenting on their responses. Did they bring up something you had not thought about? Did they raise any new, important issues?  [Main Forum]

Day 1 – Day 7

Please refer to HSM 270 Course Policies for the score he breakdown.ss Plocbreakdown.

Grants in Human Services

Explain the role grants play in the human services field. Explain how and when grants are important to a human services program. Are grants more vital to some programs than others? Explain your reasoning.

Post your response in 200 to 300 words

.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Discussion Question 2

Discuss the advantages of a qualitative and quantitative evaluation for the program you chose from Appendix B. Which evaluation approach would you use and why is it appropriate? Find a classmate’s post that uses the same approach and one that uses the alternate approach. Respond to each, stating whether you think the chosen approach is appropriate for the program described. Explain your reasoning.  [Main Forum]

Week Three: The Grant Proposal

3   

3.1  Describe the function and purpose of a grant proposal.

3.2  Summarize the steps to writing a grant proposal.

3.3  Write a needs and problem statement for a selected program.

Describe the general attributes of a grant proposal. Be sure to address the function of a grant proposal, the purpose of a grant proposal, and how a grant proposal relates to a program plan.

Post your response in 200 to 300 words
 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Steps to Writing a Grant Proposal

Summarize
the steps to writing a grant proposal for the scenario you chose from Appendix B:

         Outline the grant proposal writing process from beginning to end.

         Create a needs and problem statement for the scenario.

Ensure the summary consists of 1,050 to 1,

40

0 words and is in paragraph form.

Use the template: WK 3 Assignment Steps to Writing a Grant Proposal Template located in the Course Materials Forum.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
        
Do not write your paper in first and/or second person point-of-view.  Only use third person point-of-view.  You will lose all Readability and Style points if you do not use the correct point-of-view.
 
Example of first and second person point-of-view
:  I found literature that said you cannot walk on water because your body weight will cause you to sink below the surface. 
Instead write this using third person point-of-view
:  Researchers determined that people are unable to walk on water because their body weight will cause them to sink below the surface.
         You must include a Title and References page. 
You will lose all Mechanics points for failure to include a title and/or references page.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Week Four: Evaluation Plans

4   

4.1  Discuss the empowerment evaluation approach for human services programs.

4.2  Distinguish between a project-wide evaluation plan and an objective-oriented evaluation plan.

Read Ch. 4 & 7 of Practical Grant Writing & Program Evaluation.

Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Your text identifies three advantages of the empowerment evaluation model. When would the empowerment evaluation approach be appropriate for the human services field? When would it be inappropriate? Use the context of your chosen scenario from Appendix B to support your position.   [Main Forum]

Project-Wide or Objective-Oriented Evaluations

Provide a brief summary of your selected program from Appendix B and discuss whether you would use a project-wide evaluation plan or an objective-oriented evaluation plan. Explain the reasoning behind your choice and why you preferred one plan over the other.

Post your response in 200 to 300 words.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Distinguish between a project-wide evaluation plan and an objective-oriented evaluation plan. What are the pros and cons of each type of evaluation plan?  [Main Forum]

Week Five: Program Evaluation

5   

5.1  Identify characteristics of process evaluations and outcome evaluations.

5.2  Analyze a given program for process evaluations.

5.3  Analyze a given program for outcome evaluations.

Process and Outcome Evaluations

Complete the Process and Outcome Evaluations Multimedia located at
http://corptrain.phoenix.edu/axia/hsm270/images/process_and_outcome_evaluations.html

Use the template: WK 5 CheckPoint Process and Outcome Evaluations Chart located in the Course Materials Forum.

Summarize the characteristics of process and outcome evaluations. Provide two examples of each type of evaluation.

Post your response in 200 to 300 words.
 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Scenario Evaluation Plan

Create an evaluation plan for your chosen scenario in Appendix B that analyzes the program for process and outcome evaluations.

Use the template: WK 5 Assignment Scenario Evaluation Plan Template located in the Course Materials Forum.

Describe the types of evaluations you would include in your evaluation plan and how each would serve to analyze various processes or intended outcomes in 700 to 1,050 words.

Explain the measurement tools you would use and why.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
        
Do not write your paper in first and/or second person point-of-view.  Only use third person point-of-view.  You will lose all Readability and Style points if you do not use the correct point-of-view.
 
Example of first and second person point-of-view
:  I found literature that said you cannot walk on water because your body weight will cause you to sink below the surface. 
Instead write this using third person point-of-view
:  Researchers determined that people are unable to walk on water because their body weight will cause them to sink below the surface.
         You must include a Title and References page. 
You will lose all Mechanics points for failure to include a title and/or references page.

WARNING!!!***If you do not complete this assignment, you may not complete the Week 6 CheckPoint.  The Week 6 CheckPoint is an extension of this assignment.***

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Week Six: Making Connections: Model Plans

6   

6.1  Identify the elements of an effective program plan.

6.2  Modify a program evaluation for a selected program.

Read Ch. 7 & 8 of Practical Grant Writing & Program Evaluation.

Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Discuss the necessary elements of an effective program plan from the initial idea through the evaluation stage. What elements are essential to all programs? What special considerations might be necessary? Produce a list that identifies 5 to 10 elements essential to an effective program plan.   [Main Forum]

Refine your list to include what you feel are the 5 most essential elements of an effective program. Choose one of the three model programs from Chapter 7 in your text. Does the model program address all the elements you identified as essential to a program plan? Explain how the program does or does not meet these expectations.  [Main Forum]

Revised Scenario Evaluation Plan

Create a revised version of your original scenario evaluation plan:

         Review your instructor’s feedback from your evaluation plan in Week Five.

         Consider your group’s list of essential elements for a program plan.

         Make improvements to your evaluation plan based on the feedback from your instructor and your list of essential elements. Are there areas you should incorporate into your evaluation plan that you did not address before?

         Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

WARNING!!**You may not complete this CheckPoint if you did not complete the Week 5 Written Assignment.**

Week Seven: Practical Aspects of Program Planning and Evaluation

7   

7.1  Determine the expectations set by funding institutions.

7.2  Assess outside influences on a specified program plan.

7.3  Examine the program planning and evaluation process for program improvement opportunities.

Program Improvement Opportunities

Identify where the program planning and evaluation process can provide opportunities for program improvement.

Explain the how program evaluation can improve a program. Consider both the manager and funder perspectives as you look for program improvement opportunities.

Post your response in 200 to 300 words.
 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Stakeholder Influences on Programs Paper

Programs must often cater to the needs or expectations of many stakeholders, which may include the program administrator and staff, the funding institution, and the community the program serves. In any human services program, one of the most influential stakeholders is the funding institution. The funding institution often has its own expectations for the program and its evaluation.

Describe how the needs and expectations of stakeholders influence a program plan.

Use the template: WK 7 Assignment Stakeholder Influences Template located in the Course Materials Forum.

Evaluate the program in the scenario you selected from Appendix B from each stakeholder’s perspective.

         Summarize the needs and expectations of each group in terms of your program.

         Address how the needs and expectations of each group can be met, and where compromises must be made.

Find a funding institution that works with human service organizations.

Explain the expectations for evaluation of this funding institution. How could these expectations influence the program or evaluation plans?

Write your assessment of stakeholder influences in 1,050 to 1,400 words.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
        
Do not write your paper in first and/or second person point-of-view.  Only use third person point-of-view.  You will lose all Readability and Style points if you do not use the correct point-of-view.
 
Example of first and second person point-of-view
:  I found literature that said you cannot walk on water because your body weight will cause you to sink below the surface. 
Instead write this using third person point-of-view
:  Researchers determined that people are unable to walk on water because their body weight will cause them to sink below the surface.
         You must include a Title and References page. 
You will lose all Mechanics points for failure to include a title and/or references page.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Week Eight: Locating Funding

8   

8.1  Identify appropriate funding sources related to a selected program.

8.2  Distinguish between public and private funding sources.

8.3  Develop a plan for obtaining nontraditional funding.

Using the scenario you selected from Appendix B, conduct an Internet search to identify at least three possible funding sources for the program. Which do you think would be most likely to fund the program and why?  [Main Forum]

Alternative Funding

Brainstorm ideas for alternative funding for the program you selected from Appendix B. Search the Internet or contact local human services organizations for ideas on obtaining nontraditional funding.

Post a 200- to 300-word response that describes your plan to obtain nontraditional funding for your program.

 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

What are the differences between public and private funding? What are the expectations or requirements of each type of funding? Which do you think might be easier to obtain for your chosen program and why?   [Main Forum]

Week Nine: Aligning Organization Mission, Programs, and Funding

9   

9.1  Relate the concept of program orientation to an organization’s mission.

9.2  Summarize the assessment, program planning, funding, and implementation of a selected program.

Capstone CheckPoint

Answer the following:

         Programs are often smaller pieces of a larger human services organization. How will the organization’s mission affect your program?

         Why is it important to make sure your program is oriented to the organization’s mission and purpose?

Post your response in 200 to 300 words.
 
Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

Final Project

Program Summary

Summarize the process of a program’s development based on the program scenario you have used throughout the course from Appendix B.

Use the template: WK 9 Final Project Program Summary Template located in the Course Materials Forum.

Include the following sections:

         Overview of the program

         Assessment

         Needs and problem statement

         Program planning

         Alternative funding

         Implementation

         Evaluation

Write a 1,750- to 2,100-word paper that contains all of the above elements.

 
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
        
Do not write your paper in first and/or second person point-of-view.  Only use third person point-of-view.  You will lose all Readability and Style points if you do not use the correct point-of-view.
 
Example of first and second person point-of-view
:  I found literature that said you cannot walk on water because your body weight will cause you to sink below the surface. 
Instead write this using third person point-of-view
:  Researchers determined that people are unable to walk on water because their body weight will cause them to sink below the surface.
         You must include a Title and References page. 
You will lose all Mechanics points for failure to include a title and/or references page.

Post your CheckPoint as an attachment ( or x). [Assignment Section]

450

Course Syllabus

College of Social Sciences

HSM/240

Public Policy Development in Human Services

Week Two: The Legislative Role

1.3 Justify judicial decisions.

1.4 Summarize the judiciary’s role in shaping public policy.

Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings.

Court Decisions

Resource: Electronic Reserve Readings

Review one of the three Electronic Reserve Readings for this week.

Explain why you agree or disagree with the decision in your chosen Electronic Reserve Reading.

Provide specific examples or reasons for your opinion, such as outcomes, figures, statistics, and facts.

08/23/13

Individual

The Role of Government in Policy-Making

Resource: Ch. 2 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you summarize legislative tasks and the overall role of the judiciary in shaping public policy. For the same agency or organization you chose previously, describe the laws and judicial decisions that influence how the organization operates. Answer the following questions in your paper:

· How do these laws influence the organization’s decision-making and its day-to-day operations?

· What role has the court system or law played in shaping policies that affect this particular agency or organization?

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Post your paper as an attachment.

08/25/13

100

Week Three: Value-Critical Approach to Social Methods

1.5 Describe the elements used to analyze social policies and programs.

1.6 Analyze social policies and programs using the fundamental elements.

Read Ch. 3 & 4 of Social Policy and Social Programs.

09/01/13

Policy Elements

Resource: Ch. 3 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Write a 300-word analysis of a program sponsored by the same agency or organization you used in the Week One CheckPoint. Use the six fundamental policy elements described in Ch. 3 as a guide. Keep in mind that a mission is different from goals and objectives. A mission is a statement of what the program is, why it exists, and the contributions it can make. It is usually short and concise, and describes a program’s reason for existing or its primary concern.

08/30/13

Week Four: Analyzing Public Policy

Goals and Objectives

1.7 Describe how human service agencies determine their goals and objectives.

1.8 Appraise the goals and objectives of human service agencies.

Sentence Outline

Resource: Ch. 4 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Write a sentence outline describing how an agency determines goals and objectives. Instead of listing short topics and phrases as you would in a general outline, write all main points and supporting details in complete sentences so that your thoughts are clear and thorough.

09/06/13

Goals and Objectives

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you evaluate the goals and objectives for the same agency or organization you chose previously. Using the criteria from Ch. 4, address the following:

· Does the organization explain its goals and objectives clearly? Explain your answer.

· Are the goals and objectives long term or short term?

· Are the goals and objectives manifest or latent?

· How do you know which are objectives and which are goals?

· Evaluate the agency’s goals and objectives for one of its specific programs.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Post your paper as an attachment.

09/08/13

Week Five: Benefits and Services

1.9 Identify examples of the major forms of benefits and services human services provide.

1.10 Evaluate benefits and services human service agencies.

Read Ch. 5 & 6 of Social Policy and Social Programs.

09/15/13

Benefit Types

Resources: Ch. 5 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Write a 300-word summary evaluating the benefit types and services of the same agency or organization you used in previous assignments.

Use the criteria for evaluating benefits and services, located on pp. 96-107 of the text.

09/13/13

Week Six:

Eligibility Rules

1.11 Contrast the eligibility rules for different human service agencies.

1.12 Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of eligibility rules used by human service agencies

Resource: Ch. 6 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Create a table comparing and contrasting the eligibility rules of two different agencies that offer the same type of program. Refer to Table 6.1 on p. 117 of the text.

Select one government agency and either a private or faith-based agency that offers a program for the homeless. Do not select the same agency you chose to analyze throughout the course.

Write a brief summary of what you consider the key differences between the eligibility rules of the two agencies.

Post your table as an attachment.

09/20/13

Evaluating Eligibility Rules

Resource: Ch. 6 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you analyze eligibility rules for the same agency or organization you used in previous assignments.

· Based on pp. 110-118 of the text, what are the types of eligibility rules utilized by the agency?

· Do you notice any possible stigmatization or off-targeted benefits?

· Do you notice any trade-offs, such as overwhelming costs, overutilization, or underutilization? Explain your answer.

· Do you notice any weak rules? Explain your answer.

· In your judgment, are the eligibility rules fair and sufficient? Explain your answer.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Post your paper as an attachment.

09/22/13

Week Seven: Delivery of Social Goods

1.13 Outline theory, design, and specification of social programs.

1.14 Compare and contrast the types of delivery systems for different human service agencies.

Read Ch. 7 & 8 of Social Policy and Social Programs.

09/29/13

Theory, Design, and Specification

Resource: Ch. 7 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Pretend you are in charge of creating a new social program. Money for funding is not an issue.

Outline, in approximately 300 words, the theory, design, and specification of the program you would create. Refer to p. 144 of the text for an example. Remember that, generally, a theory is a group or set of interrelated ideas thought to explain the causes and effects of a specific problem.

Justify your decision for choosing to create that particular social program.

09/27/13

Week Eight: Financing Social Problems

1.15 Identify the sources of funding for social programs.

1.16 Describe how taxes are used to fund social insurance programs.

Private Funds

Identify a privately funded human service agency. Do not use the same agency you chose to analyze throughout the course.

Describe, in 200 to 300 words, the social problem the agency addresses and a program it utilizes to address that problem. How does this private agency fund or intend to fund the program? Describe what the agency must do to obtain continued funding.

10/02/13

Social Insurance

Resource: Ch. 8 of Social Policy and Social Programs

Summarize, in 200 to 300 words, how social insurance is used to fund public programs. What are the benefits and drawbacks of government funding? How are those benefits and drawbacks exhibited in social programs such as Medicare, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation?

10/04/13

Finances

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper evaluating the financial aspects of the same agency or organization you used in previous assignments.

· How does the organization fund its programs?

· How reliable are the organization’s funding sources?

· Does the organization implement financial accountability measures to ensure that funds are being used properly?

· What questions might you ask the agency if you had donated a large sum of money and wanted to know how your money was being used?

Format you paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Post your paper as an attachment.

10/06/13

Week Nine:

Creating a Social Program

1.17 Develop proposals for the creation of social programs.

Read Appendix A regarding the final project requirements.

10/13/13

Capstone Discussion Question

Respond to the capstone discussion question.

· What parts of this course did you find most valuable? Describe the two things you found most interesting. What aspects of this course will help you the most in your future studies and career?

10/09/13

Final Project

Creating a Social Program

Complete your 1,750- to 2,100-word final proposal paper. Refer to Appendix A for project requirements.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Include at least three sources.

Post your paper as an attachment.