| Session Title: Introduction to Evaluation and Public Policy |
| Demonstration Session 344 to be held in Capitol Ballroom Section 5 on Thursday, Nov 6, 3:35 PM to 4:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Presidential Strand |
| Chair(s): |
| Damon Thompson, American Evaluation Association, damon@eval.org |
| Presenter(s): |
| George Grob, Center for Public Program Evaluation, georgefgrob@cs.com |
| Abstract: Evaluation and public policy are intimately connected. Such connections occur at national, state, and local government levels, and even on the international scene. The interaction moves in two directions: sometimes evaluation affects policies for public programs, and sometimes public policies affect how evaluation is practiced. Either way, the connection is important to evaluators. This session will explain how the public policy process works. It will guide evaluators through the maze of policy processes, such as legislation, regulations, administrative procedures, budgets, re-organizations, and goal setting. It will provide practical advice on how evaluators can become a public policy players how they can influence policies that affect their very own profession, and how to get their evaluations noticed and used in the public arena. There will opportunities for audience discussion of sensitive topics, such as how evaluators can protect their independence in a world of compromise and deal making. |