EVALUATION

Evaluation is a core function of University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension with support provided by the Program Development and Evaluation Unit (PDE).

Two key resources form the framework for evaluation within the organization:

• The "Planning a Program Evaluation" booklet and worksheet ( PDF files)
  The worksheet is also available as a Word document that can be saved and used to enter text.
• The "Enhancing Program Performace with Logic Models" on-line course

Additional resources and support provided by PDE include:

• Building Capacity in Evaluating Outcomes (BCEO) Resource
• Evaluation Publications
• Evaluation Quick Tips
• Human Subjects Protection Education
• Logic Model
• Evaluation Studies
• Evaluation Instruments
• Evaluation Curriculum
• Online surveys: support for UWEX staff using Zoomerang
• Professional Development Opportunities/Workshops in Evaluation
  
• Evaluation Related Links of Interest
• Tobacco Control Local Program Evaluation Project
• UWEX Program Impacts
• Workshops and Presentations

Evaluation practice within UW-Extension-Cooperative Extension is guided by established standards for the evaluation of educational programs supported by the American Evaluation Association.

• American Evaluation Association
• Program Evaluation Standards
  The set of standards guiding educational program evaluation.
• Quick Tips #9: Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Program Evaluations
• Guiding Principles for Evaluators
  Developed by the American Evaluation Association, these principles guide the professional practice of evaluators and can be expected to be upheld during an evaluation.
• Training Package for the Guiding Principles Useful for personal instruction or to help others learn about the Guiding Principles for Evaluators.

All faculty and staff of the University of Wisconsin-Extension Cooperative Extension are responsible for quality educational programs that produce positive and equitable results.  To support a learning organization and to ensure the wise investment of resources, evaluation is part of each person’s job responsibilities.  Written evaluation plans are developed as part of the program planning process.  In recent years, the organization has moved to an outcome-based planning and reporting system with evaluation playing a critical role in learning, program improvement and accountability. 

PDE is charged with providing leadership and capacity building in program evaluation through in-service education, resource material development, consultation, administrative support and managing high priority evaluations. Our main areas include: internal capacity development, community-based capacity development, research and development.