Who Conducts Program Evaluations?
Depending on the scope, design, and purpose of program evaluations, a range of staff and researchers can conduct them. For process-oriented, day-to-day evaluation, program staff can collect and monitor information on various program features and collaborate with managers to analyze and interpret data. This type of evaluation, sometimes referred to as an internal evaluation, is conducted on a routine basis to review objective aspects of a program. For in-depth evaluations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a team approach.2 The team may include technical experts, such as statisticians or epidemiologists; program staff and management; stakeholders; and trusted members of the community with no vested interest in the outcome of the evaluation. Participation from outside the program provides fresh insight and increases the credibility of the evaluation. These external evaluations often focus on the outcomes or impact of a program. Outcome Evaluation Largo, Flor
