Planning for evaluation

Evaluation is critical to determining whether or not a program has produced the desired outcome(s). In practice, evaluation is commonly considered as the final step in the program planning and implementation process. In order to conduct an effective and informative program evaluation however, it is important to focus on evaluation from the very beginning of both the program planning and implementation processes. This section of the workshop will focus on the process of planning a successful program evaluation. Participants will: (1) be introduced to different types of evaluation and discuss when each type would be most appropriate, (2) review the importance of conducting both process and outcome evaluation and distinguish between the types of questions each aims to answer, (3) practice developing appropriate, measurable outcomes related to program objectives, and (4) practice matching evaluation methods with program objectives and activities.