CDC Evaluation Working Group
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Evaluation is an Essential Organizational Practice
Program evaluation is an essential organizational practice in public health; however, it is not practiced consistently across program areas, nor is it well-integrated into the day-to-day management of most programs.

Program evaluation is also necessary to fulfill CDC's operating principles for public health, which include

• Using science as a basis for decision-making and action;

• Expanding the quest for social equity;

• Performing effectively as a service agency;

• Making efforts outcome-oriented; and

• Being accountable

These operating principles imply several ways to improve how public health activities are planned and managed. They underscore the need for programs to develop clear plans, inclusive partnerships, and feedback systems that allow learning and ongoing improvement to occur. One way to ensure that new and existing programs honor these principles is for each program to conduct routinely practical evaluations that inform their management and improve their effectiveness.

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History
During the past three decades, the practice of evaluation has evolved as a discipline with new definitions, methods, approaches, and applications to diverse subjects and settings. Despite these refinements, a basic organizational framework for program evaluation in public health practice had not been developed.

In May 1997, the CDC Director and executive staff recognized the need for such a framework and the need to combine evaluation with program management. Further, the need for evaluation studies that demonstrate the relationship between program activities and prevention effectiveness was emphasized. CDC convened an Evaluation Working Group, charged with developing a framework that summarizes and organizes the basic elements of program evaluation.

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Focus
The working group translated it's charge into a focus on developing products and services in two areas:

• Defining and organizing the essential elements of program evaluation

• Leading institutional change to promote evaluation practice at the CDC and throughout the public health system

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Products
Initial efforts of the working group were dedicated to creating:

• A framework for program evaluation in public health; and

• Recommendations for promoting program evaluation at the CDC

Continuing efforts of the working group are now dedicated to maintaining leadership and providing critical support and consultation to program staff and stakeholders who are exploring the benefits, challenges, and opportunities that program evaluation holds for improving the effectiveness of public health efforts.

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CDC Evaluation Working Group