CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Introduction

1. Introduction to Evaluation
2. What Does an Evaluation Project Look Like
3. Understanding Types of Evaluation Projects
4. Preparing for Your Evaluation

Supplements
Resources

Evaluation for the Unevaluated:
Program Evaluation 101

Step 1. Conceptualize the evaluation

Getting started is always the hardest part. Jack called a meeting, put out a plate of cookies, and filled a flip chart with ideas from staff. Here's his agenda:

Jack's team wondered, who is going to do all this work? Someone had to work closely with the evaluator. "How hard could it be?, Jack asked. After all, the evaluator was experienced and had a Ph.D. What else did they need?

In addition to the proper credentials, a good evaluator has some other important attributes:

• Ability to communicate well with program staff
• Ability to negotiate and be flexible
• Ability and interest in training and mentoring staff in evaluation methodology
• Commitment to the evaluation process and leaving no stone unturned

Evaluation 101, Module 4 provides a checklist and detailed guidance on locating and assessing potential evaluators. Qualifications for Evaluation Consultants and Areas of Evaluator Expertise may help. You might want to scan those before moving on.

Jack and his staff developed a contract for the evaluator. It included a statement of work containing:

• A description of the Cool After School program [link back to our standard program description]
• Type of evaluation project contemplated (see Module 3)
• Type of deliverables (written reports, briefings, hard copy vs. e-copy)
• Timeframe and due dates