intro to new empowerment evaluation

New Empowerment Evaluation: An Introduction

New Empowerment Evaluation: An Introduction

Sarah Diamond, Ph.D.

Diamond Research Consulting LLCsdiamond193@gmail.com

Sarah Diamond, Ph.D.

Diamond Research Consulting LLCsdiamond193@gmail.com

What is evaluation?What is evaluation?

Evaluation is systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone using criteria against a set of standards. (Wikipedia)

Evaluation is systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone using criteria against a set of standards. (Wikipedia)

What is program evaluation?What is program evaluation?

Program evaluation is a data-driven approach to developing a program; assessing program processes, quality, fidelity to a model, outcomes or impact; and determining the overall value or merit of a program.

It typically involves gathering information about the program directly from the individuals delivering the program and from the people being served.

Program evaluation is a data-driven approach to developing a program; assessing program processes, quality, fidelity to a model, outcomes or impact; and determining the overall value or merit of a program.

It typically involves gathering information about the program directly from the individuals delivering the program and from the people being served.

Empowerment evaluationEmpowerment evaluation

“An evaluation approach that aims to increase the probability of achieving program success by 1) providing program stakeholders with tools for assessing the planning, implementation, and self-evaluation of their program 2) mainstreaming evaluation as part of the planning and management of the program/organization.”

Fetterman,D.M and Wandersman, A. (ed), (2005) Empowerment evaluation principles in practice. Guilford Press: New York, NY. p. 28.

“An evaluation approach that aims to increase the probability of achieving program success by 1) providing program stakeholders with tools for assessing the planning, implementation, and self-evaluation of their program 2) mainstreaming evaluation as part of the planning and management of the program/organization.”

Fetterman,D.M and Wandersman, A. (ed), (2005) Empowerment evaluation principles in practice. Guilford Press: New York, NY. p. 28.

Example of “New” Empowerment Evaluation Principles

1. Mutual respect for the expertise each of us brings to the table.

2. Our common purpose is to improve our likelihood of Achieving Success.

3. Decision-making is guided by Collective Data-driven Inquiry

4. Collaboration is key to our success.

5. Continually striving to improve our cultural and linguistic competency.

6. Valuing intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation.

7. Critical reflection and honest dialogue are valued as important outcomes in and of themselves.

8. Shared responsibility for ongoing planning, documenting, publicizing and evaluating our work

Undoing Hierarchy Undoing Hierarchy

Researchers | | Research Subjects

Research Practice | | Program Practice

Scientific Knowledge | | Knowledge in Everyday Life

Researchers | | Research Subjects

Research Practice | | Program Practice

Scientific Knowledge | | Knowledge in Everyday Life

Learning, Growth, Self Improvement

Goal-oriented

Activity

Observation

CommunicationSelf-EvaluationSelf talk

Self criticismSelf monitoring

Constructive criticismObservations

Feedback from Others

Self CriticismSelf ReflectionSelf Evaluation

Self Other Self Other

Per

sona

l Gro

wth

& A

chie

vem

ent

Other’s G

rowth

& A

chievement

Program Success

Observation

Communication

Self Other

Per

sona

l Gro

wth

&

Ach

ieve

men

tO

ther’s Grow

th

& A

chievement

Program Success

Observation

Communication

Participants

Staff

Administration

Director

Facilitate Observation & Communication

Data-based decision making

Help Identify & Document the

Processes that lead to

program success

Evaluation Tools

What does an empowerment

evaluation look like for your agency?

What will be its goals?

What principles will it adhere to?

What does an empowerment

evaluation look like for your agency?

What will be its goals?

What principles will it adhere to?