Using Systems Learning (TM) and Youth Participatory Evaluation to Shift Paradigms, Grow Evaluator Skills, and Evolve Organization Practices

New ideas, practices, and creative approaches that amplify and empower voices in evaluation require intentional commitment, investment, and consistent application. Departing from models of evaluation which center traditional methods and voices requires a shift in leadership and vision – a new approach to equitable evaluation. At Apex Evaluation, we call this approach Systems Learning^TM. Systems Learning is based on the belief that stories are not merely enhancements to evaluation, but rather that all of evaluation is the act of storytelling. Apex defines equitable evaluation as producing truer stories based on a credible body of evidence – credibility not from numbers but from the testimony of witnesses closest to the ground. These voices include today’s youth, the historically underrepresented, and the typically unheard.
This vision for equitable evaluation and our Systems Learning approach shape who we work with and how we work, both internally and externally. As we consider the future of our profession, we strive to make our work inclusive of the next generation of evaluators whose perspectives are vital to our success and whose voices will shape our future. Most often, our clients deepen our practice of centering historically overlooked voices. In this panel presentation, we specifically reflect on one client, allcove^TM. Adapted from international models of youth care, allcove’s mission is to develop “an innovative network of integrated youth mental health centers designed with, by, and for youth that reduces stigma, embraces mental wellness, increases community connection and provides access to culturally-responsive services.” Traditional models of healthcare, despite trying to serve and support youth, do not meaningfully include youth perspectives. The innovativeness of allcove’s model, however, is poised to disrupt traditional healthcare systems. Given allcove’s mission and vision for youth mental health, Apex used Systems Learning to examine internal and external challenges related to power dynamics in youth-centered evaluation efforts and offer strategies that create more inclusive and equitable evaluation processes.
Facilitated by Apex’s President and CEO, the panelists will bring to life Systems Learning through the perspectives of an Evaluator, Evaluation Program Manager, Evaluation Consultant, and Strategic Support Manager. Each presenter will share how Systems Learning and youth participatory evaluation represent a paradigm shift in their evaluation roles, internal management, and organizational learning. Panelists will speak to how engaging youth as co-evaluators means we must critically reflect on our own understanding of accountability, agency, and ownership. The panel will also explore:

• How do Systems Learning and centering youth voices encourage us to reexamine our methods and influence evaluation planning and implementation?


• How does Systems Learning impact organizational learning and professional development?


• In what ways does Systems Learning shape our professional identities?


• What does it mean to build a credible body of evidence using Systems Learning?

Participants will leave this session with an understanding of Systems Learning: a universal and systematic approach for building a body of evidence that inextricably links data with the context from credible witnesses. The application of Systems Learning with clients will also reveal novel, internal organizational learning strategies that can shape our professional identities, and ultimately, the future of our profession. The panelists will share specific examples from their practice of Systems Learning and hope to inspire creative innovation.