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Extension Evaluation Matters: 2nd Edition

Rainbow Framework

Better Evaluation, a nonprofit collaborative organization, developed the Rainbow Framework, which is made up of seven steps. Each step of the framework is assigned a color. Together, they comprise a “rainbow,” as is seen in the diagram to the right. The Better Evaluation Rainbow Framework prompts you to think about a series of key questions. It is important to consider all these issues, including reporting, at the beginning of an evaluation. The Framework can be used to plan an evaluation or to locate information about particular types of methods. We describe the seven steps below.

1. MANAGE an evaluation or evaluation system

Manage an evaluation (or a series of evaluations), including deciding who will conduct the evaluation and who will make decisions about it.

Understand and engage stakeholders: Who needs to be involved in the evaluation? How can they be identified and engaged?

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Figure 3: Better Evaluation Rainbow Framework

 Establish decision making processes: Who will have the authority to make what type of decisions about the evaluation? Who will provide advice or make recommendations about the evaluation? What processes will be used for making decisions?

 Decide who will conduct the evaluation: Who will actually undertake the evaluation?

 Determine and secure resources: What resources (time, money, and expertise) will be needed for the evaluation and how can they be obtained? Consider both internal (e.g. staff time) and external (e.g. previous participants’ time) resources.

 Define ethical and quality evaluation standards: What will be considered a high quality and ethical evaluation? How should ethical issues be addressed?

 Document management processes and agreements: How will the evaluation’s management processes and agreements be documented?

 Develop planning documents for the evaluation: What needs to be done to design, plan and implement the evaluation? What planning documents need to be created (evaluation framework, evaluation plan, evaluation design, evaluation work plan)?