Why it Matters
Ongoing evaluation includes both efforts to study how a program is being implemented and the program's impact on the LEA's desired priority outcomes.
In combination, these two types of evaluation will allow LEA leaders to understand how well the education program is working, for whom and under what circumstances.
The most appropriate types of evaluation and learning activities will vary based on the characteristics of the education program. Regardless of the specific types of evaluation and learning activities the LEA uses, the activities should:
- Be aligned with the LEA's strategic priorities, evaluation policy and the education program's theory of change, which describes how the education program will lead to impact.
- Enable LEAs to speak to the effectiveness of the education program itself.
Funding Evaluation
Results for America recommends that LEAs allocate at least 1% of their overall programmatic budgets to support ongoing evaluation, including for programs that have never been rigorously studied to show proof of effectiveness. LEAs may also require an evaluation component in their RFP or provide preference points to proposals that include an evaluation component.
LEA leaders may find it challenging to dedicate funding to evaluation, especially in times of limited or shrinking budgets.
Evaluation, though, is an investment that can help districts spend money wisely. When LEA leaders have information about their programs’ effectiveness, they can stop funding programs that aren’t helping students and redirect the funds saved toward programs that demonstrate impact.