| Session Title: Evaluation Policies That Matter: Naming Them and Explaining Their Value |
| Think Tank Session 134 to be held in Redondo on Wednesday, Nov 2, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Evaluation Policy TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Margaret Johnson, Cornell University, maj35@cornell.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Kristin Kaylor Richardson, Western Michigan University, kkayrich@comcast.net |
| William Trochim, Cornell University, wmt1@cornell.edu |
| Abstract: What evaluation policies matter most? How might evaluation policies affect the quality of programs and services? What values might be relevant in establishing and implementing evaluation policies within different service contexts and under different political, economic and social conditions? The purpose of this think tank is to provide an opportunity for evaluators working in agency, community, state or federal levels of governance and service provision to reflect upon the nature of evaluation policies and their potential impact. Discussion will center on: 1) Identifying and classifying examples of evaluation policy; 2) Considering possible mechanisms through which evaluation policy may influence program quality; and 3) Envisioning how an inventory approach can inform evaluation policymaking and help us develop coherent, sensible evaluation policies to support high quality evaluation work at all levels of practice. |