Introduction to Practical Program Evaluation: A Theory-Driven Approach
with Dr. Stewart I. Donaldson

May 19 & 20, 10am – 1pm (Pacific Standard Time)

This short course will focus on how to design practical and cost-effective program evaluations. A step-by-step approach will be used to teach participants how to conduct accurate and useful program evaluations. Key topics will include how to articulate the importance of evidence-based decision making to clients, engaging stakeholders, developing conceptual frameworks such as program theories, theories of change, formulating and prioritizing evaluation questions, gathering credible evidence to answer key evaluation questions, managing resistance and excessive evaluation anxiety, and strategies for communicating and reporting evaluation finding to create positive social and organizational change. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase and read in advance of the first class meeting:

• Program Theory-Driven Evaluation Science: Strategies and Applications (2007) by Stewart I. Donaldson
• What Counts as Credible Evidence in Applied Research and Evaluation Practice? (2008) by Stewart I. Donaldson, Christina A, Christie, & Melvin M. Mark

Copies are available from Amazon.com or for $20 from Claremont Graduate University. To purchase the texts from CGU, send a check for $20 per volume made out to Claremont Graduate University and addressed to: Evaluation Texts, 175 E. 12th Street, Claremont CA 91711