Evaluation Roundup - May 2021

Welcome to our monthly roundup of new and noteworthy evaluation news and resources – here is the latest.

Have something you’d like to see here? Tweet us @EvalAcademy!

New and Noteworthy — Reads

How Far Dare an Evaluator Go Toward Saving the World?

The American Journal of Evaluation recently published an article by Michael Quinn Patton (MQP) that outlines value statements from a diverse group of 40 evaluators working in philanthropic foundations. These value statements are an update to Robert Stake’s 2004 publication “How Far Dare an Evaluator Go Toward Saving the World?” The article includes a list of what evaluators care about and emphasize in their practice. MQP also includes his additions to the list, along with the facilitation steps and a process for illuminating evaluators’ values.

Checking our bias in “unbiased” research instruments: applying a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to instrument design

This recent blog post by Evidence for Action discusses how Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) principles and practices can be applied in the design or evaluation of research instruments, such as survey questionnaires, cognitive or psychosocial assessments, tests, or checklists. This post also offers a supplemental methods note where the authors offer a snapshot of the instrument design process.

Creating Effectiveness Principles for Principles-Focused Developmental Evaluation in Health-Care Initiatives

The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation’s spring issue contains an article that dives into the practical application of principle-focused developmental evaluation. The article focuses on three evaluations conducted in British Columbia and highlights lessons learned through the process of creating effectiveness principles.

New and Noteworthy — Tools

Useful Questions for Analysis and Reporting Challenges and Changes

Evaluation Support Scotland recently shared a two-page document that lists key questions you can ask as you analyze your evaluation data and get ready to report on challenges and changes.