Core Concepts in Evaluation

This unique book features original writings from evaluation¿s foundational thinkers, together with new commentaries from contemporary authors. Each section includes an introduction to a core evaluation concept by the editors, a classic reading, two commentaries on that topic by contemporary authors, and a reflection guide written by the editors.

Introduction - Lori A. Wingate, Ayesha S. Boyce, Lyssa Wilson Becho, and Kelly N. RobertsonIntroduction Classic Piece: Let's Eliminate the Confusion: What is Evaluation? - Leander L. BoykinPart I. Evaluation is a distinct form of inquiry that is oriented to reaching judgments of merit, worth, or significance.Part I Introduction - Lyssa Wilson BechoPart I Classic Piece: The Nature of Evaluation - Michael ScrivenChapter 1: Amending the Architectural Blueprints for Evaluation - Bianca Montrosse-Moorhead and Khalil BitarChapter 2: Lack of Discipline: Answering Scriven's Call for Value in (Program) Evaluation - Ghislain ArbourPart I Reflection Guide - Lyssa Wilson BechoPart II. Engagement enhances the usefulness and relevance of evaluation.Part II Introduction - Kelly N. RobertsonPart II Classic Piece: The Stakeholder Approach to Evaluation: Origins and Promise - Carol WeissChapter 3: Evaluation Engagement: Historical Perspectives and New Directions With Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Principles - Tatiana E. Bustos, Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo Ayeni, and Jessica S. SaucedoChapter 4: I.M.P.A.C.T.: A Manumission Mindset and Other Engagement Approaches for Evaluation - Sharon Attipoe-Dorcoo and Norma Martínez-RubinPart II Reflection Guide - Kelly N. RobertsonPart III. Evaluation is inherently political.Part III Introduction - Lori A. WingatePart III Classic Piece: What Have We Learned About the Politics of Program Evaluation? - Eleanor ChelimskyChapter 5: The Power and Politics of Knowledge Production in Program Evaluation: Funder, Methodological, and Pedagogical Colonialism - Jennifer Billman and Bagele ChilisiaChapter 6: Walking the Tightrope Between Independence and Responsiveness: Falling Off Is Not an Option - Rakesh MohanPart III Reflection Guide - Lori A. WingatePart IV. Culturally responsive evaluation practice can lead to a more just society.Part IV Introduction - Ayesha S. BoycePart IV Classic Piece: Responsive Evaluation Amistad Style: Perspectives of One African American Evaluator - Stafford HoodChapter 7: En Busca de las Voces Latinas in CRE: Reflections From a Program Evaluation Latina - Grettel Arias OrozcoChapter 8: Black Methodologies for Black Evaluators - Deja Taylor, Sojourner White, Superior Murphy, Radaya Ellis, and monique listonPart IV Reflection Guide - Ayesha S. BoycePart V. Evaluation's value is realized through its use and influence.Part V Introduction - Ayesha S. BoycePart V Classic Piece: Utilization-Focused Evaluation - Michael Quinn Patton Chapter 9: Aims, Aspirations, and Consequences: Problematization at the Intersection of Culture and Evaluation Use - Jeremy Acree and Jill ChouinardChapter 10: Beyond the Project: Using Evaluation to Reimagine the Future in Africa - Caitlin A. Blaser Mapitsa and Mine PabariPart V Reflection Guide - Ayesha S. BoycePart VI. Evaluation is a reflexive practice: Evaluation can and should be evaluated.Part VI Introduction - Lori A. WingatePart VI Classic Piece: Metaevaluation - Daniel L. StufflebeamChapter 11: Revisiting Metaevaluation Through the Perspectives of the Global South - Paidamoyo Chikate, Satlaj Dighe, Padma Kannan, and John M. LaVelleChapter 12: A New Story for Metaevaluation - Tiffany Tovey and Libby SmithPart VI Reflection Guide - Lori A. WingateReferencesAuthor IndexSubject Index