Chapter 4 – Using Evaluation Data
STAGE 1: FEEDBACK AND UTILIZATION
Utilization
The ultimate purpose of program evaluation is to use the information to improve programs. The purpose(s) you identified early in the evaluation process should guide the use of the evaluation results. The evaluation results can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of your program, identify ways to improve your program, modify program planning, demonstrate accountability, and justify funding. It is important to build in opportunities to reflect on results to make programmatic improvements. This may include formal meetings, post-activity debriefs, and evaluation reports, to name a few.
Additional uses include the following:
To demonstrate to legislators or other stakeholders that resources are being well spent and that the program is effective.
To aid in forming budgets and to justify the allocation of resources.
To compare outcomes with those of previous years.
To compare actual outcomes with intended outcomes.
To suggest realistic intended outcomes.
To support annual and long-range planning.
To focus attention on issues important to your program.
To promote your program.
To identify partners for collaborations.
To enhance the image of your program.
To retain or increase funding.
To provide direction for program staff.
To identify training and technical assistance needs.
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