| Session Title: Systems Theories in Evaluation Planning: Differentiating Planning Process from Evaluation Plan |
| Think Tank Session 250 to be held in BOWIE A on Thursday, Nov 11, 10:55 AM to 12:25 PM |
| Sponsored by the Systems in Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Claire Hebbard, Cornell University, cer17@cornell.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| William M Trochim, Cornell University, wmt1@cornell.edu |
| Thomas Archibald, Cornell University, tga4@cornell.edu |
| Monica Hargraves, Cornell University, mjh51@cornell.edu |
| Abstract: Systems evaluation has many definitions, some themes common among include identifying multiple stakeholder perspectives, viewing a program as a dynamic system nested within larger systems, and defining a program’s boundaries. Many evaluators have identified how a systems approach to evaluation may affect the process of planning an evaluation. But does the process of planning an evaluation get revealed in the evaluation plan? Is there a way to differentiate a systems based evaluation plan from evaluation plans created from other? We will outline some of our thoughts and struggles regarding assessing evaluation plans developed by programs going through our Systems Evaluation Protocol, then facilitate one or more workgroups to identify and discuss developing a rubric for identifying systems based evaluation plans. |