1. INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLKIT

   • About the Toolkit
   • Toolkit Contents
   • Using the Toolkit
   • Case Study Background

2. INTRODUCTION TO EVALUATION

   • Defining Evaluation
   • Purpose of Evaluation
   • Types of Evaluation
   • Challenges to Conducting an Evaluation

   • Who Should Conduct the Evaluation

     • Assessing Readiness
     • Using a Team Approach
     • Using External Evaluators

   • Considerations for Planning

     • Human Subjects Protections
     • Cultural Competency
     • Budgeting for Evaluation
     • Working with Funders

   • Framework for Evaluation

     • Framework Components
     • Evaluation Standards

3. PLAN YOUR EVALUATION

   • Step 1: Engage Stakeholders

     • Engage Stakeholders
     • Identifying Key Stakeholders
     • Engaging Stakeholders
     • Tools and Resources

   • Step 2: Develop a Logic Model

     • Develop a Logic Model
     • What is a Program Description?
     • Introducing Logic Models
     • Creating a Logic Model for Evaluation
     • Tools and Resources

   • Step 3: Focus the Evaluation

     • Focus the Evaluation
     • Decide What to Evaluate
     • Develop Evaluation Questions
     • What Are Indicators?
     • Start the Evaluation Plan
     • Tools and Resources

   • Step 4a: Plan Data Collection

     • Plan Data Collection
     • Identify Data Sources
     • Select Data Collection Methods
     • Tools and Resources

   • Finalize Your Evaluation Plan

     • Identify the Person Responsible and a Timeline
     • Review Your Evaluation Plan
     • Tools and Resources

4. IMPLEMENT YOUR EVALUATION

   • Introduction
   • Review Your Evaluation Plan

   • Step 4b: Collect Data

     • Design Data Collection Instruments
     • Additional Considerations in Data Collection
     • Tools and Resources

   • Step 5: Analyze and Interpret Data

     • Analyze and Interpret Data
     • Organize the Data
     • Analyze the Data and Synthesize Results
     • Interpret the Results
     • Identify Limitations
     • Tools and Resources

   • Step 6: Share Results

     • Share Results
     • Develop Recommendations
     • Communicate the Findings
     • Follow-up
     • Tools and Resources

TOOLS:Worksheets|Glossary

Challenges to Conducting an Evaluation

There are several challenges that organizations face in doing program evaluation:

• Limited time and resources. People involved in programs are already working incredibly hard on a limited budget, and evaluation can be perceived as a distraction or an added burden.
• Lack of understanding or skill in doing evaluation.
• Fear that evaluation data will be misused or reflect poorly on the program.
• Results are hard to measure.

While these are very real challenges, many can be addressed by creating a feasible and practical evaluation plan for your organization. The evaluation planning process, described in this toolkit, will help your organization determine the best way to address these challenges.