Program Evaluation is the systematic collection of information about the activities, characteristics, and results of programs to make judgments about the merit, worth, and significance of the program, improve or further develop program effectiveness, inform decisions about future programming, and/or increase understanding. (Patton, 2021)
Extension Evaluation Tools
Additional Resources
Evaluating Programs: Resources developed by the University of Wisconsin Extension. Evaluation can be designed and implemented through a variety of approaches depending on evaluation purposes and uses. Robust evaluation requires effective planning, method selection, analysis and use.
The Community Tool Box: A Framework for Program Evaluation: Discusses why evaluations are important, actions essential to any evaluation, and standards for developing a strong program evaluation. Offers examples of evaluation use.
Plain Language: These guides are designed to help you understand why and how to create content that readers can understand.
Fresh Spectrum: Collection of guides, templates, reviews, and thousands of cartoons about evaluation.
CDC Program Evaluation Framework : Guides public health professionals in conducting program evaluation. It is a practical, nonprescriptive tool, designed to summarize and organize essential elements of program evaluation.