Comprehensive planning and evaluation aligns with standard logic models and common assessment questions to guide programmatic decisions.
Establishing whether a problem exists, describing it, and identifying gaps to provide a rationale for a program.
Tap to flipRevealing which potential solutions and program activities are appropriate responses to the identified needs.
Tap to flipMonitoring outputs to ensure the selected solution is being implemented as intended in daily operations.
Tap to flipEvaluating impacts to determine whether an implemented solution is having its desired beneficial effects.
Tap to flipComparing outcomes with costs to reveal whether resources for implementation are being utilized responsibly.
Tap to flipA Midwestern university utilized the framework to assess its Yearly Program Assessment (YPA) process, generating actionable evidence to select a new digital system.
Identified gaps in the current assessment process through interviews, observations, content analysis, and a faculty survey.
Tap for EvidencePercent indicating the area is a "Moderate, High, or Essential Priority" for improvement.
Examined whether potential vendor-based solutions could appropriately address the YPA requirements and resolve the demonstrated needs.
Tap for EvidenceThree online systems were reviewed against required MS Word reporting fields (Goals, Outcomes, Methods, Targets, Results).
Compared the three theoretically appropriate systems against available resources, financial parameters, and support infrastructure.
Tap for Evidence| Criteria | Sys 1 | Sys 2 | Sys 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $0 | ~$30k | ~$30k |
| State Network | |||
| Contract Exists | |||
| Vendor Support |
By comprehensively evaluating the evidence, the institution confidently selected System 1. The Needs Assessment revealed critical areas for improvement in the current process. The Theory Assessment verified that System 1 was structurally appropriate to resolve those specific reporting and workflow gaps. Finally, the Efficiency Assessment proved that System 1 was drastically more feasible than alternatives—costing $0 annually due to existing state contracts while providing essential vendor technical assistance.
A comprehensive lens for planning, implementing, and evaluating purposeful initiatives. Tap each component to explore.
Refers to the 5 categories of assessment (Needs, Theory, Process, Outcome, Efficiency). Serves as the foundational evidence generator for the entire initiative.
A one-page snapshot detailing the program's Context/Need, Expected Goals, Target Population, Resources, Activities, Outputs, and Short/Mid/Long-term Outcomes.
A high-level diagram illustrating the causal relationships. It visually maps how resources and activities are expected to trigger a chain reaction leading to the desired long-term outcomes.
An operational tool (like a spreadsheet) used to compile target and actual values for specific output and outcome indicators aligned with the Logic Model.
An 8-stage cyclical framework for disciplined inquiry, centered around 'Awareness', used to operationalize specific metrics.
Details the sequential scope of activities across time. Tracks tasks, status, dates, and responsible parties to ensure optimal implementation.