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

What is a Program Description?

A program description, identifies:

• The resources that go into the program.
• The program's activities.
• The participants or people the program is designed to reach.
• The intended outcomes.

These elements are often displayed in the form of a diagram called a "logic model." Logic models are discussed later in this section.

Involving stakeholders in the description of your program will help everyone have a common understanding and agreement of the program and what it will accomplish.

There are factors beyond the program itself that influence its success—things within an organization, a community, or the broader environment; in other words, its context. Some examples are:

• Turnover in organizational or community leadership.
• The political climate.
• Changes in the population.
• Changes in economic conditions.
• Startup or discontinuation of similar or competing programs.

Obviously, these are not in your direct control, but it is helpful think about their influence on the program's context as you describe the program, plan and carry out the evaluation, and interpret the findings.

The objectives outlined in a document like Healthy People 2010 are a good example of a public health-related program description. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (2011, May 2). Healthy People 2020: Topics & objectives index—Healthy People.

Resource: W.K. Kellogg Foundation (2004). Logic model development guide. Battle Creek, MI: W.K. Kellogg Foundation.