Chapter 3 The Evaluation Process

Step 1: Engage the Stakeholders

• Why stakeholders are important to evaluation

  • Who is planning, implementing, and using the program? 

  • Prioritize those who: can increase credibility, manage day-to-day tasks, will advocate for program and changes

• Participatory action research

• Skill sets needed to engage stakeholders 

  • Educate program staff about evaluation concepts and methods 

  • Engage stakeholders based on shared priorities 

  • Facilitate meetings, presentations, conflict resolution, negotiation 

  • Be part of evaluation team, plan and execute evaluations based on program priorities 

  • Share information/ongoing communication about evaluation process

• Different types of stakeholders 

  • Funders: don’t overvalue their input 

  • Service providers: goals, methods, expected change

  • Consumers: receive info about evaluation, use as consultants

  • Community members: affected by services/outcomes, use as consultants 

Step 2: Describe the program

• Why we need to be able to give a program description

  • frames decisions during evaluation process 

  • compare program to similar programs

  • connect program + outcomes 

  • stakeholders may understand program goals and objectives differently 

• logic models: lays out what parts of program will be evaluated

1. Concept maps: logic models that illustrate key elements of program design 

1. Communication Tools: answer questions or make new questions 

2. Evaluation Planning Tools: bring stakeholders together; drive future 

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