Making the program theory explicit is an essential first step in Theory Driven Evaluation (TDE). Once explicit, the program logic can be established making necessary links between the program theory, activities, and outcomes. Despite its importance evaluators often encounter situations where the program theory is not explicitly stated. Under such…

An evaluability assessment (EA) of the 55 Alive program, a national older driver refresher course aimed at improving driving skills, was conducted. This EA adds to the evaluation literature as previous outcome evaluations neglected to explore whether this program was prepared for such assessments. A mixed-method protocol was executed across three…

This article describes an evaluation that was judged to be unsuccessful from the point of view of key program stakeholders. This was due to the fact that the evaluation did not support program advocates who had much to gain from positive evaluation findings. We argue that, although the knowledge needs of stakeholders must be taken into account,…

According to the literature published on the topic, the development of an organization's capacity to do and use evaluation typically follows four stages: "traditional evaluation," characterized by externally mandated evaluation activities; "awareness and experimentation," during which organizational members learn about evaluation and its benefits…

In participatory evaluations of K-12 programs, evaluators develop school faculty's and administrators' evaluation capacity by training them to conduct evaluation tasks and providing consultation while the tasks are conducted. A strong case can be made that the capacity building in these evaluations can be examined using a Vygotskian approach. We…

With a focus on the use of technology when evaluating programs for Aboriginal people, this article explores the possibility of using visual and oral computer technology to enhance the incorporation of Aboriginal worldviews in program evaluation. The author situates Aboriginal worldviews, including methods of communication and transmission of…

In the domain of school-based tobacco control, there is a large gap between the research being performed and the type of research needed to inform school-based prevention activities. The tobacco module of the school health action planning and evaluation system is a data collection and feedback system designed to support school-based tobacco…

Two mail surveys were conducted as a province-wide needs assessment to examine the opportunities for, barriers to, and participation in physical activity in Ontario elementary and secondary schools. Dillman's Tailored Design Method (TDM) was used to maximize the quality of responses and the response rate. Both surveys entailed five mailings to key…

Given today's climate of economic uncertainty and fiscal restraint, organizations providing child and youth mental health services are required to do so with limited resources. Within this context, service providers face added pressure to deliver evidence-based programs and demonstrate program effectiveness. The Ontario Centre of Excellence for…

This article argues that intervention pilot test evaluations have focused insufficient attention on the measurement of project fidelity and the subsequent use of fidelity results for (a) interpreting variations in project outcomes and (b) understanding the rationale for teachers' deviations from implementation protocols. The authors report on the…

Describes the tasks undertaken in the cycle of evaluation of housing programs by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation prior to 1997 and analyzes the major evaluation projects in terms of the similarity of constituent tasks. Introduces combinatorial methods and new research applications. (SLD)

Explored the state of evaluation practice, including monitoring, in planning departments in 14 municipalities of regional scale and style in Ontario, Canada. Compared applications of evaluation in planning practice with generic evaluation practice and identified critical determinants of success through qualitative research methods. (SLD)

The Canadian Evaluation Society explored the benefits that can be attributed to program evaluation, the outputs necessary to achieve those benefits, and the knowledge and skills needed to produce outputs. Findings, which articulate benefits, outputs, and skills, can be used by evaluation organizations to support advocacy and professional…

Examined evaluation challenges facing the National Child Benefit (NCB) program in Canada. Reviewed the Social Union Framework agreement focusing on the development of the NCB. Findings show the complexity of programs like the NCB. Detecting changes in the program and assisting interpretation of these changes will require detailed administrative…

Describes a peer support approach to evaluating outcomes within supported employment programs for people with developmental disabilities. Presents a case study of one Canadian county agency's experience with peer support evaluation and draws several lessons from the implementation experience of several agencies. (SLD)