| In a 90 minute Roundtable session, the first
rotation uses the first 45 minutes and the second rotation uses the last 45 minutes.
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| Roundtable Rotation I:
Funder Goals Versus Evaluator Goals: When World Views Collide |
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Roundtable Presentation 791 to be held in Santa Barbara on Friday, Nov 4, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Evaluation Use TIG
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| Presenter(s):
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| Michelle Simpson, University of Nebraska, michelle.simpson@unmc.edu
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| Kate Golden, University of Nebraska, kgolden@unmc.edu
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| Abstract:
The relationship between the funders of various programs and the evaluators brought in to measure the effectiveness of those programs can be a challenging one to navigate. At times, the funder's focus on outcomes above all else can conflict with the evaluator's interest in analysis of process, program fidelity and adherence to fundamental standards of evaluation. Our work with both private foundations and government agencies has raised the following questions:
1. How do evaluators respond to funder pressure to highlight only positive outcomes?
2. How should evaluators document failures of fidelity to the intervention model being evaluated?
3. What happens when funders and evaluators discover they have very different understandings of appropriate evaluation techniques?
We hope our stories from the trenches can spark a constructive dialogue on how to turn these challenges into opportunities. We have employed some helpful strategies that may be of use to others in the field.
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| Roundtable Rotation II:
Negating the Power of Accountability |
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Roundtable Presentation 791 to be held in Santa Barbara on Friday, Nov 4, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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Sponsored by the Evaluation Use TIG
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| Presenter(s):
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| Kathleen Toms, Research Works Inc, katytoms@researchworks.org
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| Susan Pujdak, Inovo21, spujdak@inovo21.com
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| Abstract:
The primary purpose of the 'Negating the Power of Accountability' round table discussion will be to explore the responsibility of evaluators 'to take into account the diversity of general and public interests and values' in the present climate of results based and accountability purposed evaluation. The presenters will trigger discussion through a series of questions based on the Guiding Principles for Evaluators: E, 'Responsibilities for General and Public Welfare.' The session will specifically address critical issues facing evaluators regarding control of the dissemination of evaluation findings by clients. The round table participants will strategize on ways to address this important issue while adhering to the guiding principles.
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