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Developmental Evaluation Exemplars: Principles in Practice

Jack London

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Developmental evaluation (DE) is an approach to evaluation that is designed to support the development and improvement of complex programs and initiatives. DE is based on the principles of participation, collaboration, and learning. It uses a variety of methods to collect data and provide feedback to stakeholders. DE can be used to evaluate a wide range of programs and initiatives, including those that are focused on social change, community development, and education.

The principles of DE are based on the work of Michael Patton, who is considered to be the father of DE. Patton argues that DE should be:

Participatory: Stakeholders should be involved in all aspects of the evaluation process, from planning and design to data collection and analysis.
Collaborative: Evaluators should work with stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of the program or initiative and its goals.
Learning-oriented: The focus of DE should be on learning and improvement, rather than on judgment or accountability.
Adaptive: DE should be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the program or initiative.
Holistic: DE should take into account the context in which the program or initiative is operating.

DE uses a variety of methods to collect data and provide feedback to stakeholders. These methods include:

Developmental Evaluation Exemplars: Principles in Practice

4.1 out of 5

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Interviews: Interviews can be used to collect data from stakeholders about their experiences with the program or initiative.
Focus groups: Focus groups can be used to gather data from a group of stakeholders about their shared experiences.
Surveys: Surveys can be used to collect data from a large number of stakeholders about their attitudes and beliefs.
Observation: Observation can be used to collect data about the program or initiative in action.
Document review: Document review can be used to collect data from existing documents, such as program plans, meeting minutes, and reports.

DE can provide a number of benefits to programs and initiatives, including:

Improved program design and implementation: DE can help to identify areas where the program or initiative can be improved.
Increased stakeholder involvement: DE can help to build trust and relationships between stakeholders and evaluators.
Enhanced learning and reflection: DE can help stakeholders to learn about the program or initiative and its impact.
Increased accountability: DE can help to ensure that the program or initiative is meeting its goals and objectives.

There are a number of exemplars of DE in practice. These exemplars demonstrate how DE can be used to evaluate a wide range of programs and initiatives.

One example of DE in practice is the evaluation of the Boston Public Schools' Turnaround Plan. The Turnaround Plan was a comprehensive plan to improve the performance of the city's lowest-performing schools. The evaluation of the Turnaround Plan used a variety of methods, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The evaluation found that the Turnaround Plan had a positive impact on student achievement and school climate.

Another example of DE in practice is the evaluation of the San Francisco Department of Public Health's Health Improvement Partnership (HIP). HIP is a community-based initiative that aims to improve the health of San Francisco residents. The evaluation of HIP used a variety of methods, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The evaluation found that HIP had a positive impact on the health of San Francisco residents.

These are just two examples of how DE can be used to evaluate a wide range of programs and initiatives. DE is a powerful tool that can help to improve the design, implementation, and impact of programs and initiatives.

DE is an approach to evaluation that is designed to support the development and improvement of complex programs and initiatives. DE is based on the principles of participation, collaboration, and learning. It uses a variety of methods to collect data and provide feedback to stakeholders. DE can provide a number of benefits to programs and initiatives, including improved program design and implementation, increased stakeholder involvement, enhanced learning and reflection, and increased accountability.

Developmental Evaluation Exemplars: Principles in Practice

4.1 out of 5