Event Date: 2026-07-09 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-07-07
The overall goal of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is the assessment of program progress to optimize outcome and impact – program results. Monitoring activities systemically observe assumed indicators of results, while evaluation activities, build on monitoring indicator data to assess intervention/program effectiveness, the adequacy of program impact pathways, likelihood of program sustainability, the presence of program strengths and weaknesses, the value, merit and worth of the initiative, and the like. This interactive course focuses on practical application and will cover: the purpose and scope of M&E; engaging stakeholders and establishing an evaluative climate; connecting program design and M&E frameworks; performance and results-based M&E approaches; data collection and methods; measuring program and success; and sustaining M&E culture. Course participants will have an understanding of M&E frameworks and fundamentals, M&E tools, and practice approaches. Case examples will be used to illustrate the M&E process.
Principles-driven leaders engage in principles-based initiatives that call for principles-focused evaluation. Principles-focused evaluation makes principles the focus of evaluation. Three questions are the focus of evaluation: (1) To what extent and in what ways are the principles meaningful to those meant to be guided by the principles? (2) if meaningful, to what extent and in what ways are the principles adhered to? (3) if adhered to, to what extent and in what ways do principles guide results? The course will present and explain the GUIDE approach to developing and evaluating principles. Examples of principles-focused initiatives and corresponding principles-focused evaluations will be shared. By the end of the course, participants will know (1) the niche, nature, and purpose of principles-focused evaluation; (2) the evaluation criteria for conducting a principles-focused evaluation; and (3) the GUIDE framework for principles-focused evaluation.
Event Date: 2026-07-13 The Evaluators' Institute Deadline: 2026-07-09
AI-powered tools are rapidly transforming how data is analyzed, interpreted, and communicated. This course provides an accessible introduction to leveraging AI throughout the evaluation process—from literature review, research design, and data analytics, to writing reports and preparing presentations. Our goal is to explore the capabilities of AI across evaluation; where it’s strong, and where it should be avoided. Topics include AI-driven data cleaning and exploration, automating statistical analysis, enhancing visualizations, and using AI for reporting. We will also cover best practices for evaluating AI-generated outputs and avoiding common pitfalls. The course is designed for professionals who are already comfortable with fundamental statistical concepts and are ready to explore how AI can support and extend their analytical capabilities.
Contemporary evaluation theory and practice are changing rapidly to adapt to a new and rapidly evolving evaluation ecosystem. This course is designed to explore the new basics needed to be a successful evaluator and applied researcher in 2026 and beyond. Guided by the American Evaluation Association (AEA) foundational documents including the AEA evaluator competencies and public statement on cultural competence, this course will provide new and emerging evaluators, and applied researchers, with an up-to-date perspectives on evaluation theory, approaches, methods, and practice. Although the major focus of the course is program evaluation in multiple settings (e.g., public health, education, social services, business, and international development), examples from personnel evaluation, product evaluation, organizational evaluation, and systems evaluation will be used to illustrate the new basics. The course will conclude with how to plan, design, and conduct ethical and high-quality program evaluations using artificial intelligence and a contingency-based and culturally responsive approach.