Rules of Thumb for Determining Focus Questions

Padak and Padak (1994) offer some basic rules of thumb for determining focus questions:

• The focus area is important to staff, parents, and the community.

• The questions are directly related to the focus area.

• The questions are answerable.

• Good questions usually begin with why, how, or what.

Farr and Pritchard (1989) note that the evaluation must remain flexible in regards to questioning. Even though evaluation questions are carefully selected, others may arise during the evaluation. Reprioritization of questions is crucial if new questions of importance arise during the evaluation.

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