EvalPro is a database that contains a large set of criteria which can assist schools in undertaking self-evaluation. The criteria set has been developed taking account of international research and experience in school effectiveness.

The criteria are contained in a hierarchical structure with four levels. In the current set, the first two levels conform to a structure developed in the Republic of Ireland and the other levels contain a large set of criteria developed by Philip Drake Consultancy.

The set contained in this database includes a large number of criteria specifically designed to enable what are now called "faith schools" to undertake self-evaluation of the specifically Christian elements of school provision integrated with self-evaluation of the secular aspects of provision.

The criteria set can be easily restructured to conform to different patterns.

The criteria are presented in a manner that displays the hierarchical pattern. The first level displays the main themes in the work of the school. In this version these are:

    Mission, Vision, Aims;

    Context Factors;

    Curriculum;

    Care and Management of Pupils;

    Staff Organisation and Staff Development;

    School-Home-Community Links;

    School Management and Administration.

One of these areas can be selected for detailed study by clicking a button (Level 1). This displays a set of topics that are relevant to the theme. One of these can be selected to display further detail by once again clicking a button (Level 2).

This displays the next level of detail. A further level of detail can be displayed by clicking the Level 3 button. This displays the full set of criteria for the theme.

The final level is one that can be completed by the school adding in specific comment and setting an evaluation of current performance in the form of a numerical rating.

The criteria can be searched or printed and the specifically Christian items (marked with the letter "C") can be isolated.

The system can be used by any number of schools and can be used by a central agency to integrate and support a group of schools. It can thus be used to support the supervisory functions of a central agency.

Other views of the criteria are:

    Criteria by pages: to flick through the whole set, page by page;

    Christian Criteria: a list of the specifically Christian criteria;

    Full Criteria List: a scrolling list of all criteria;

    Search for Criteria: Enter your own search words to find criteria.

The current version is presented for demonstration purposes only. It can be tailored to specific requirements and additional facilities can be included.

In addition, this version uses a MySQL database which is fast and powerful but is difficult for an administrator to control directly. The same system can be provided using FileMaker Pro which is also fast and powerful and in addition it can operate as an easy-to-use and flexible desktop database for the administrator. Thus the central agency can use the database directly online to carry out many other functions including reports, statistical analysis, interactions with schools etc

Further details can be obtained by emailing Philip Drake Consultancy