Step 1: Before You Get Started
Evaluation can be a mysterious process for the uninitiated and often even for those with extensive experience. How do you get started and what should you know before you get started? This section prompts you to think about the types of things you will need: money, time, evaluation expertise, support from program managers and staff, and in some cases, official approval for your evaluation.
Step 2: Program Logic
To create evidence of your program’s success, it helps to have a solid understanding of what the program is trying to accomplish and how you believe the program is achieving these goals. Creating a logic model helps you articulate how the program is intended to work and consequently, helps you identify which aspects to focus your evaluation on.
Example Logic Model from the Birds in My Neighborhood Evaluation Plan:
