ABOUT OUR PROGRAM, 2001 - June 2004

Evaluation of the Local Evaluation Program - 2004 Executive Summary (18 pages, 780 KB)

Evaluation of the Local Evaluation Program - 2004 Complete Report (114 pages, 2580 KB)

Goals and Principles we operate by (1 page, 72 KB)

2003 Training and Technical Assistance Plan (3 pages, 139 KB)

Logic Model, 2002-2005 (1 page, 141 KB)

Ways we provide technical assistance (3 pages, 225 KB)

MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO

The University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension provides technical assistance and training in program evaluation for community coalitions receiving funds from the State of Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services. Three regional specialists and a program assistant work with community partners to design results-based programs and implement evaluations that are practical, credible and useful.

Our goal is to build capacity in evaluation at the local level, helping community members gain knowledge, skills and expertise in evaluation that leads to improved, more accountable programs. We define evaluation capacity as having the ability and resources to engage in evaluation that leads to learning, program improvement and enhanced accountability. We provide training and technical assistance in a variety of ways: one-on-one consultation, coalition group meetings, cross-county meetings, regional training, statewide conferences and workshops using face-to-face and distance learning technologies.

The Role of Regional Evaluation Specialists

The regional specialists help community coalitions conduct evaluation that is useful, feasible, ethical and practical. They are technical assistance providers, coaches, mentors, trainers and facilitators. The regional specialists do not ‘conduct’ evaluations, or ‘do’ the evaluation for a community coalition.

For more information about receiving technical assistance in program development and evaluation, contact your Regional Evaluation Specialist.

What we do:

• Help coalitions design an assessment to determine existing local resources and needs
• Assist coalitions as they work with key stakeholders to build consensus and understanding about tobacco control
• Work with coalitions to define a strategy to collect baseline data: What baseline you need? How should you collect the data?
• Help coalitions build a logic model that describes their work
• Work with coalitions to design an evaluation plan that documents the progress and results of your coalition work
• Help coalitions determine the best ways to collect the information they need
• Assist in analyzing results
• Help coalitions use evaluation information to make improvements in what they want to do
• Assist coalitions as they communicate findings to others
• Work with coalitions to apply best practices and research evidence so they are certain they are doing the ‘right’ and best thing
• Help coalitions access outside resources to assist in tobacco control work
• Assist coalitions in conducting multi-year action planning