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Session Title: Setting Conditions for Meaningful Evaluation: Human Systems Dynamics Theory as a Lens for Program Theory and Theory of Change
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Panel Session 710 to be held in Room 106 in the Convention Center on Friday, Nov 7, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Systems in Evaluation TIG
and the Program Theory and Theory-driven Evaluation TIG
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| Chair(s): |
| Marah Moore,
i2i Institute,
marah@i2i-institute
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| Abstract:
The proposed panel session explores the relevance, utility, and application of program theory and Theory of Change (TOC) in evaluation through the lens of Human Systems Dynamics (HSD) theory. This panel discussion will present a conceptual argument for the important role of program theory and TOC and a description of how the HSD theoretical framework can enhance the use of these approaches in an evaluation context. Exemplars from the experience of the panelists will illustrate the concepts presented. The discussion will touch on issues related to the relationship between evaluation and programming, and how to support a dynamic partnership between the evaluator and the program staff that fosters a shared quest for sustainable change.
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Program Theory as 'Walkable Path' Toward Meaningful Evaluation
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| Elena Polush,
Iowa State University,
elenap@iastate.edu
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Elena Polush is a postdoc evaluator in the Office of Educational Innovation and Evaluation in the College of Education at Kansas State University. She is an Associate of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. Polush defended her dissertation in 2007 that focused on the development of a comprehensive evaluation for the US Department of Agriculture's competitive grants' program in higher education. She researched program theory and utilized the analysis of narrative discourses to articulate a theoretical model (i.e. program theory) of that grants program by employing a quantitative content analysis and qualitative oral history interviews within a mixed-methods inquiry. Polush will share her conceptual perspectives about program theory approach in evaluation that evolved from a 'narrative - story as mode of knowing' to a 'walkable path toward meaningful evaluation'.
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New Visions for Theory of Change: Complexity, Clarity and Understanding for Programs Through Human Systems Dynamics Systems Theory
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| Jane Maland Cady,
Criando Research and Evaluation Services,
janemc@mchsi.com
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Dr. Jane Maland Cady has been working in program evaluation for nearly 20 years internationally and also with multicultural initiatives in the USA. She is an Associate of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. Her evaluation work ranges from participatory evaluations, to evaluation capacity building, to evaluation of multi-level systems initiatives. She is a Fulbright Senior Scholar, where she taught educational evaluation in Brazil. Her current systems evaluations have pushed her to consider the application of a program or initiative's Theory of Change (TOC) model and view it through an HSD lens, and then design data collection methods that are consistent with the program TOC. She deepens the understanding of using such methods, by examining the deeper influences to evaluation theory/program theory and evaluation worldviews.
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Building Bridges Between Evaluation and Programming: Human Systems Dynamics as a Theoretical Framework for Theory of Change Work
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| Marah Moore,
i2i Institute,
marah@i2i-institute
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Marah Moore is founder and director of i2i Institute, a consulting firm committed to strengthening the quality of community-based work through evaluation, planning, training, and technical assistance. She is an Associate of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute. Her background in community planning has shaped her 15-year evaluation practice, and encourages her to embrace that gray area between evaluation and programming. On-going exploration of theories of change has been central to her program- an initiative-level work, and HSD has provided a dynamic framework that informs and supports the hands-on style and participatory methods that Ms Moore utilizes in her practice. For this panel discussion, Ms. Moore will bring insights related to her experiences applying an HSD framework to three statewide initiatives in New Mexico (early childhood, youth development, and food stamp outreach) as well as a US-Russia initiative in Vladivostok, focused on abandonment prevention through development of an early intervention infrastructure.
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