Which category of evaluations assesses the achievements and/or outcome of the program?

The category of evaluations that assesses the achievements and/or outcomes of a program is summative evaluation. This type of evaluation is conducted after a program has been implemented to determine its overall effectiveness and the extent to which it has met its objectives. Summative evaluations often provide insights into the results of the program, measuring outcomes such as knowledge gain, behavior change, or performance improvements among participants.

In contrast, formative evaluations are typically conducted during the development and implementation phases to gather feedback and make improvements in real-time, while diagnostic evaluations focus on assessing specific skills or needs before a program begins. Process evaluations monitor the implementation of a program and its activities, providing information on how well the program is being executed rather than on the outcomes achieved. Summative evaluation stands out because it is specifically concerned with the final results and overall impact of the program, making it essential for informing decisions about the program's future.