Plan for Program Evaluation From the Start

• NCJ Number: 248779
• Journal: NIJ Journal Issue: 275 Dated: May 2015 Pages: 1-2
• Author(s): Alison B. Martin
• Date Published: May 2015
• Length: 2 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Journal
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Instructional Material

Annotation

After emphasizing the importance of planning and designing the evaluation of a program before beginning the program's implementation, this article discusses the benefits and features of planning, designing, and timing a program's evaluation.

Abstract

Planning and designing a program's evaluation during the program's initial design phase and prior to its implementation are essential for ensuring that the evaluation is scientific, meaning that the program's objectives and implementation are measurable and that appropriate data are collected for determining whether program implementation and outcomes have been achieved. Four guidelines are suggested for planning an evaluation before starting a program. First, choose the questions to be answered by the evaluation, and determine the information needed to answer them. Second, determine the timing of evaluations and the resources needed to conduct them. Third, document the program's design, purpose, and objectives so an evaluator can compare them to the program's actual implementation and outcomes. Fourth, remain flexible, so the evaluation plan can be revised as necessary. The article also discusses special evaluation challenges associated with multi-site programs. In addition, it addresses "evaluability assessments," which gauge how well the evaluation plan was conducted and its effectiveness in preparing the program for an evaluation.