Evaluation provides a systematic method to study a program, practice, intervention, or initiative to understand how well it achieves its goals. Evaluations help determine what works well and what could be improved in a program or initiative. Program evaluations can be used to:
An evaluation plan outlines the evaluation approach, including the focus of the evaluation (such as an activity, intervention, program, or policy), evaluation design, evaluation research questions, data collection methods, evaluation activities, stakeholders that should be engaged, timeline, performance measures, key milestones, and costs.
It is important to establish an evaluation plan before the program starts to make sure that the evaluation research questions, measures, and methods align with the evaluation's goals. When developing an evaluation plan, rural communities may consider the following questions:
Developing evaluation research questions is an important part of evaluation planning. Guidance on the process for developing evaluation questions is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The topic guide on Conducting Rural Health Research, Needs Assessments, and Program Evaluations provides important context for rural communities. For evaluation considerations for specific types of programs, see:
The Community Tool Box: Chapter 36 - Section 5. Developing an Evaluation Plan
Website
Highlights four key steps to consider when developing an evaluation plan, and includes examples and other resources to help in the development.
Organization(s): University of Kansas Work Group for Community Health and Development
Project Evaluation Plan Guide
Document
Provides an overview of evaluation plan components for rural health networks.
Organization(s): Rural Health Innovations, a subsidiary of the National Rural Health Resource Center
Date: 12/2017
Tools to Evaluate Your Coalition
Document
A series of four publications describing how to build coalitions and evaluate their effectiveness at various stages of development.
Author(s): Topaloff, A., Enderton, A., & Bregendahl, C.
Organization(s): Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Date: 12/2015
Guide to Evaluating Collective Impact
Website
Provides leaders of collective impact initiatives a framework for measuring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of their programs and projects. Includes a 90-minute webinar to supplement the guide.
Author(s): Preskill, H., Parkhurst, M., & Juster, J.S.
Organization(s): FSG
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