lsc technology initiative grant conference 2015 | session materials - demonstrating accomplishments,...
TRANSCRIPT
1. Evaluation Plan Draft - part of full TIG application now
2. Revisions and Approval of Evaluation Plan3. Evaluation Report Draft - part of last
milestone4. Revisions and Approval of Evaluation
Report
Evaluation Process
Pieces of an Evaluation Plan
● Defining Goals and Objectives - understanding the difference between the two
● Identifying strategies/activities● Identifying evaluation methods and
data sets
Demonstrating Accomplishments
● Toot your own horn!● Not just for us - for LSC; to show other stakeholders the
value of your work; and for other grant funding opportunities
● Outlining evaluation plan at the beginning of the project helps ○ refine scope ○ frame intended impact of the project○ improves implementation
● Translate data into impact● What lessons were learned, and what do they
mean for the future?● Generate data to identify value of the system for
improving program operations/client services
Improving Services
Fostering Replication
● Generate data to identify how/under what conditions the system works and strategies needed to make it work
● Thoroughly explaining data and methodologies used allows others to understand, replicate and improve upon your project
● Analysis of Accomplishments, Major Lessons and Recommendations help people understand why they might want to replicate and build upon your project
Plan for the Report● A thoughtful evaluation plan makes for a better report and project● Evaluation Plan should be the foundation for your work plan
○ Milestones have a different purpose● Refer to Evaluation Plan throughout implementation● Keep an Evaluation Plan folder (or use metadata tags)● Collect your data throughout the project● Plan extra time at the end to collect more data and write the first draft● Submit the first draft to LSC at least a month before it’s due
Kristin’s reflections
Planning for the Report Provides
Insights During the Project
Kristin’s reflections Help You Stay on Track or Change Direction.
Technicalities● Stay positive● Major accomplishments - most important section● Challenges and lessons - very close seconds● Know that it’s public● Follow directions: include all the necessary elements● Make it easy to read● Keep the substance in the body of the report● Keep the details in attachments● Look for insights
Kristin’s reflections
● Step back from the individual tools and see how they fit into the big picture of the services you are providing
● Contemplate and articulate HOW document assembly improves access to justice
● Can use it as a framework for evaluating all of your document assembly projects, not just those funded by TIG
● Encouraged getting feedback from a wider audience ● Why are some interviews finished more often than others?
Angela’s reflections
● Make it meaningful.● It’s all about that data, ‘bout that data.● Be creative about data sources -- go beyond your evaluation
plan. Fine-grained is good.● Pretend you’re talking to Congress or a major foundation● Don’t be modest.● Put your best points up front in the summary section.● Be as brief as you can. Page maximums are not expectations!
Jonathan’s reflections
In addition to the tips already presented,
● Be reasonable in your expectations!● Create your evaluation plan from the perspective of your future self
writing a final report: what information will you want to cite? (And be able to produce?)
● Make sure there is enough time after project completion to gather enough data for evaluation.
● Remember that your reports are public record
Tips for a Successful Report
Resources
● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/evaluation-plans - everything you need to know about the evaluation plan process
● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/final-reports - includes final project report form template
● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/replicable-projects - samples of final reports of replicable projects