Evaluation of programs for families continues to grow in importance. The best evaluation studies involve collaborations between evaluation researchers and practitioners, but the two groups represent different cultures. This article provides eight suggested steps to improve collaboration through the determination of shared goals, clarification of…

Describes efforts to build a worldwide evaluation community, noting events that resulted in an almost 200% growth in the number of regional and national evaluation organizations in slightly more than 1 year. Profiles some national and regional evaluation organizations that participated in a recent evaluation meeting and suggests some alternative…

Provides a basic formula for calculating the return-on-investment of training: (1) collect evaluation data; (2) isolate effects of training from other factors; (3) convert results to monetary benefits; (4) total costs of training; and (5) compare the benefits with the cost. (JOW)

Outlines the criteria and necessary documentation in the Planning for Life program that are used to assess attainment of the seven Cs: clarity, commitment, comprehensiveness, collaboration, coherence, coordination, and competence. (SK)

Explores the relative strengths and weaknesses of program theory as a tool for inferring causality and outlines a five-stage approach that makes increased use of inductively built program theories as it takes more deliberate account of the varying levels of certainty that are required for evaluative conclusions. (Author/SLD)

Even simple program theory evaluations could be used in meta-analysis to provide benefits. Explores several ways to combine program theory evaluation and meta-analysis, using a hypothetical model and an actual example from a federal funding program. Outlines four potential benefits to incorporating program theory evaluation into meta-analysis.…

Describe the role of an expert panel in setting priorities for evaluative work. An expert panel with high credibility inside and outside the organization that is at arms length to both the organization and external stakeholders can bypass many communications filters and provide a distilled and clear reading of stakeholder concerns. (SLD)

Presents a conceptual framework for putting program theory into operation. The framework incorporates variables that reflect theoretical concepts and implementation issues addressed in program evaluation. It organizes variables into input, process, and output categories. Discusses implications for program evaluation. (SLD)

Describes the evaluation of Project TEAMS, a curriculum-delivery model for middle school in order to stimulate meta-evaluations by readers of the journal. Encourages readers to evaluate the reported evaluation. (SLD)

Provides managers with specific guidance on developing and using logic models. For the last 20 years logic models have been used largely in program evaluations to chart what should have happened and what did or did not occur as intended. Logic models start with inputs and work through processes to the desired end state, whether output or outcome.…

Makes the case that both internal and external evaluation are needed in the assessment of educational systems. Suggests some conditions have to be met to establish a constructive dialogue between internal and external evaluation. (SLD)

Discusses the challenges facing foundations and offers a nine-part framework to suggest how an evaluation office can help foundations meet these challenges. The emphasis on capacity building is also of interest to organizations other than foundations. (SLD)

Academic departments and institutions are increasingly seeking professional advice through external reviews to enhance their curriculum, assess programs, develop research initiatives, and establish strategic plans. The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) that has expanded its consulting program to provide a wider range of services that meet…

We implemented an intergenerational (IG) summer program at a colocated site for 2 consecutive summers to maximize continuity and enhance sustainability. We incorporated multiple methods to represent the views of key program stakeholders, including staff and administrators, parents who attended the program, and facilitators reports of the…

One of the most pressing needs in gifted education, and in education in general, is how to conduct a responsible evaluation. In this article, the author discusses one of the most important procedures in program evaluation, which is to distinguish between summative evaluation and formative evaluation. In summative evaluation, the data is being…