Evaluation - Resources
These resources will assist in the development and conduct of program and practice evaluation. Some examples of 'good practice' evaluation are also provided. Suggestions for inclusions are always welcome at afrc@aifs.gov.au.
On this page |
Related pages
|
Australian
ACER - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
Australian Council for Education Research provides education policy analysis (including economic and financial modelling) and policy advice.
Action Research Resources
Entry point to Southern Cross University's action research site and includes a link to Areol, an “action research and evaluation on line” introductory course offered by email each semester.
AES
The Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) is a professional organisation for people involved in evaluation.
Primary Health Care Research and Information Service
This website has a number of products and services to help researchers with funding, conducting research and evaluation, collaborating, and disseminating.
University of Melbourne - Centre for Program Evaluation
The Centre for Program Evaluation (CPE) is an evaluation and research centre located within the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne, Australia. The CPE undertakes research and commissioned program evaluations on a consultancy basis across a wide range of policy areas.
WA Centre for Health Promotion Research
The Centre for Health Promotion Research is a multi-disciplinary centre within the Division of Health Science at Curtin University, which conducts applied research and provides consultancy evaluation, education, training and curriculum support services to government and non-government health and education organisations.
International
American Evaluation Association
The American Evaluation Association is an international professional association of evaluators devoted to the application and exploration of program evaluation, personnel evaluation, technology, and many other forms of evaluation.
Child Trends: Evaluation Resources
Child Trends have published a series of “Research-To-Results Briefs” which focus on identifying and implementing evidence-based practices which can be applied to a range of programs. The papers (PDF) are; What Is Evidence-Based Practice?, A 10-Step Guide to Adopting and Sustaining Evidence-Based Practices in Out-of-School Time Programs, Seven Activities for Enhancing the Replicability of Evidence-Based Practices, and Implementing Evidence-Based Practices: Six 'Drivers' of Success.
Evaluating Evaluations - Evaluating recent evaluations of Sure Start, Home-Start and Primary Age Learning Study (PDF 192K)
Recent evaluations of two UK early intervention programmes, Sure Start and Home-Start, have been the subject of considerable attention. The programmes have aimed to boost children's life chances by tackling social exclusion and child poverty. This review aims to examine the recent reports, and that of a third programme, the Primary Age Learning Study, and to make an objective as possible an assessment of the significance of their findings.
Evaluation for the Unevaluated: Program Evaluation 101
Online course run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services, which covers the basics of program evaluation in a user-friendly way.
Evaluation Support Scotland
Evaluation Support Scotland helps voluntary sector organisations monitor performance, evaluate and learn in order to develop capacity and improve public services in Scotland.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Research and Policy Development
One of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK that seeks to better understand the causes of social difficulties and explore ways of overcoming them. Note the Parenting Programme.
Longitudinal qualitative research approaches in evaluation studies (PDF 132K)
A study carried out on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions by Donna Molloy and Kandy Woodfield; with Jo Bacon.
MDRC
MDRC is an independent organisation that designs and conducts evaluations of policies and programs in a range of domains. On this site you'll find a range of reports, video presentations and fact sheets relating to families and children, work, education and welfare.
NREPP
The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) is a searchable online registry of mental health and substance abuse interventions that have been reviewed and rated by independent reviewers.
Population Health - a guide to program evaluation
Population Health is an approach to health that aims to improve the health of the entire population and to reduce health inequities among population groups.
Program evaluation : synthesis of lessons learned by child neglect demonstration projects
In 1996 and 1997 the United States' Children's Bureau funded 10 demonstration projects addressing the prevention, intervention and treatment needs of neglected children and their families. This synthesis summarises the challenges, strategies and lessons learned in relation to the program evaluations conducted by the projects. It includes the evaluation design and methodology used by the projects. [PDF 264kb]
Program Evaluation – Wikipedia
A collection of links to international professional evaluation associations.
Service delivery and evaluation design options for strengthening and promoting healthy marriages : investigation of programs to strengthen and support healthy marriages
This report highlights key components of current marriage education programs, identifies opportunities and challenges for expanding services into other service delivery systems, and provides recommendations for evaluations of healthy marriage programs.
SFP for Parents and Youth 10-14 Program Evaluation
The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 Years provides parent, youth and family education. Examples of evaluation forms that can be adapted for use are provided.
The Evaluation Exchange
Harvard Family Research Project's evaluation periodical, The Evaluation Exchange, addresses current issues facing program evaluators of all levels.
Other Resources
These resources are available from the AIFS library.
Blake, S. & Muttock, S. (2004). Assessment, evaluation and sex and relationships education : a practical toolkit for education, health and community settings. London: National Children's Bureau.
Carrano, J.... et al. (2003). Conceptualizing and measuring 'healthy marriages' for empirical research and evaluation studies : a compendium of measures : part I and part II Washinton, DC. : Child Trends. [CD-ROM].
Gardner, S. & DeMaria, R. (2005). Research and evaluation : the basics. Norcoss, GA : Playback Now. [Sound recording].
Greene, J.C., & Caracelli, V.J. (Eds). (1997). Advances in mixed-method evaluation : the challenges and benefits of integrating diverse paradigms. San Fancisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass.
Jekielek, S.M. ... [et al.] (2003). Conceptualizing and measuring "healthy marriages" for empirical research and evaluation studies : recommendation memos from experts in the field (Task Two). Washington, DC : Child Trends.
Owen, J.M. (2006). Program evaluation : forms and approaches. (3rd.ed) Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
Shaw, I.F., Greene, J.C. & Mark, M.M. (Eds.) (2006). Handbook of evaluation : policies, programs and practices. London : SAGE.