Assessment of each component of a department's program is based on a number of criteria. Which statement is true?

• A. A number of criteria
• B. A single criterion
• C. Only financial considerations
• D. Parental opinion is sufficient

Answer: (A)

Evaluating each component of a department’s program should rely on multiple criteria rather than a single measure. This broader approach captures the full range of what makes a program effective, efficient, equitable, and sustainable. Programs are multi-faceted, producing different kinds of benefits and costs, so using several indicators helps avoid missing important effects or biases that a single metric could overlook.

In school social work practice, it’s important to look at outcomes (like improvements in student well-being or behavior), how well the component is implemented (fidelity and reach), resource use (costs and time), and equity and access (whether all student groups benefit). Gathering input from multiple stakeholders—students, families, teachers, and staff—plus objective data, gives a more accurate picture of impact and value.

Relying only on one criterion, such as finances, or on a single perspective, like parental opinion, can misrepresent how well a program component is serving students and families. Financial data alone may overlook meaningful outcomes, while a lone viewpoint may not reflect broader effects or equity. Therefore, using a number of criteria provides a more complete, fair, and actionable assessment.