Defining a program goal

Coming up with a general program goal statement is often surprisingly difficult, especially when a number of people or agencies are involved. These often have slightly varying agendas, different perspectives on what needs to be done, different values, and different approaches to problem solving. Defining an acceptable goal could take hours, days, or weeks, depending on the number of people or agencies involved and the scope of the proposed program.

• Identify a key person to facilitate or lead the process of goal definition.

  Such a person needs a good conceptual grasp of the domain of endeavor and should be able

  • to get all involved parties to participate
  • to keep the discussion "on track," and
  • to find solutions when there are deep differences of opinion.
• Clarify competing assumptions and expectations, especially when there is disagreement about the program goal.

  Tip:	Gather as much information as possible on the goals and plans of other agencies and institutions which have a stake in the program being developed.

• Clarify the program scope early in the process.
• Draft a program goal statement which is generally acceptable to everyone having a major stake in the program.

• Planning a literacy program

• Task module: Defining a program goal, by Stephen L. Walter
• In task module: Designing a literacy program
• In task module: Planning a literacy program, by Stephen L. Walter
• In modular book: Plan a literacy program, by Stephen L. Walter, Barbara K. Trudell (contributor), and Trudy K. Stewart (general editor)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 September 1999

© 1999 SIL International