142 - Welcome to Evaluation: An evaluation training program for anyone and everyone

Abstract Information:
There is increasing need for well-trained evaluators in numerous sectors, including public health, where well-conducted evaluations can aid in greatly improving the quality and accessibility of vital community-based services. However, resources and trainings designed for new evaluators have not kept up with the current demand for those entering the field.1 Individuals who hold expertise in other areas (such as epidemiology and the allied social sciences) are often finding themselves being shuffled into the role of evaluator with little to no training.1 In an effort to address this pressing issue the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program (NACP) and Climate and Health Program (CHP) co-developed a comprehensive evaluation training. The training, titled “Welcome to Evaluation” (WtE), is comprised of 6 modules that examine each step associated with the NACP’s Enhanced Evaluation Framework. In addition, this training includes knowledge checks to reinforce learning, imbedded case studies for additional real-world practice, and designated time for Q&A with evaluation technical advisors. Because the training program is open to all professions and levels of experience, WtE was strategically designed to quickly orient non-evaluators to the field. Swift orientation to the training curriculum was essential in order to merge each participant’s current professional framing with that of evaluation work, thus preserving the integrity and the contributions of the participant’s previous experience.
This poster will highlight the training course curriculum along with key takeaways from the dedicated Q&A time facilitated at the end of each session. The poster will also demonstrate how the training was delivered to support learning and growing, by merging skillsets and capacity building, for those stepping into their new role as an evaluator. Final poster highlights will include how the training series also worked to build a community of evaluators across programs, allowing for an increase in the collaborative nature that is central to evaluation work.

References
1. Amy M. Gullickson, Jean A. King, John M. LaVelle, Janet M. Clinton, The current state of evaluator education: A situation analysis and call to action, Evaluation and Program Planning, Volume 75, 2019, Pages 20-30, ISSN 0149-7189, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.02.012. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014971891830243X)