Program Evaluations

August 27, 2012                                                                                                                                          View Narrative Report

Board of Trustees                                                                                                                                      View Statistical Data

Foundation for Teaching Economics

We are pleased to submit the report of our independent evaluation of the FTE’s 2012 programs. Our evaluation shows that FTE is sponsoring an impressive array of highly praised programs in economics education. Evaluations completed by participants in 2012 indicate participants’ extremely high levels of satisfaction with the content, materials, and instructors in all programs.

Overwhelmingly and consistently, across FTE’s programs this year, participants applauded the quality of FTE’s instructional staff, including their knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism, and approachability; the clarity and comprehensiveness of the lessons and materials; and the practical nature of the courses, particularly the clear and engaging hands-on activities that teachers can implement in their own classrooms.

Students in the Economics for Leaders program praised the economics and leadership staff and were excited about how much they have learned and grown as a result of the program. Moreover, student performance on a test of economics understanding—based on the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress economics assessment—demonstrates the impact of the program on student learning. Students answered 82 percent of the questions on the post-test correctly, on average, a gain of 10 percentage points from the pre-test. There were impressive learning gains in the on-line courses for teachers as well.

Finally, follow-up questionnaires completed by teachers who participated in the 2011 programs show that teachers have returned to the classroom and used FTE materials and activities with their students.

In 2012, as in past years, FTE has provided students and teachers with an exceptional set of programs, each of which is having a remarkable impact on participants and, in turn, economics teaching and learning.

Ina V.S. Mullis, Ph.D. Professor, Lynch School of Education Co-Director, International Study Center Boston College

Dana L. Kelly, Ph.D Senior Research Analyst U.S. Department of Education Washington, D.C.