Coastal Services Center

Planning for Meaningful Evaluation

This two-day course addresses the increasing demand for program accountability. Using their own logic models, participants will create a comprehensive evaluation plan. The course is not intended to train participants to be professional evaluators, but to provide an understanding of all elements of evaluation so they are able to create sound evaluation plans.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to

• Create a program theory model
• Create strong causal linkages between components and to the larger body of research that informs the field in which the program or project operates
• Identify the appropriate point for evaluation to occur and determine evaluation priorities
• Use their individual program theories and evaluation priorities to revise or create useful performance measures
• Select appropriate data analysis options and management methods
• Select relevant findings and effectively communicate the results of their evaluations to intended audiences

Prerequisites

• Project Design and Evaluation (or other logic model development training or experience)*

*Participants will be required to bring a logic model of the program or project they intend to evaluate and related performance measures, if such measures exist.

Course Offerings

This course is available by request to be taught at your organization (see Hosting Requirements below).

Hosting Requirements

The cost is minimal for participants and host organizations. Please review our remote training requirements (PDF) for host responsibilities, costs, and site requirements.

Contact Information

For additional course, hosting, or registration information, e-mail csc.training.cms@noaa.gov.