Course Overview
Not every program is ready for evaluation. Yet organizations often invest time and resources in evaluations before establishing whether programs have clear outcomes, sufficient implementation, or reliable data. Even when a program is ready, its context may not support the intended evaluation design.
Evaluability assessment (EA) helps organizations make better decisions before committing to an evaluation. It examines whether a program is ready, what type of evaluation would be feasible and useful, and what improvements may be needed first.
This course equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to conduct an evaluability assessment. Participants will learn how to examine program logic, assess implementation, evaluate measurement capabilities, and determine whether intended outcomes are plausible.
Through real-world examples and guided exercises, participants will also explore how EA can build agreement among decision-makers, strengthen program design, and inform credible evaluation approaches.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, participants will understand the foundations and steps of evaluability assessment. They will be able to:
- Assess a program’s underlying logic and consistency of implementation.
- Examine the availability, quality, and suitability of existing measurement and data capabilities.
- Analyze whether a program can plausibly achieve its intended goals.
- Identify appropriate next steps, including evaluation, program improvement, or stronger measurement approaches.
- Present evaluability assessment findings through products tailored to different audiences.
Course Format
This interactive course consists of two live, instructor-led modules or one day in-person. Participants will engage in guided exercises and practical applications using materials and data from a variety of evaluability assessments.
The course combines foundational concepts with hands-on learning. As a result, participants will gain practical experience assessing program readiness and identifying appropriate next steps.
Participants who successfully complete both modules will receive a certificate of completion.
Module Breakdown
Module 1: Gathering Evidence to Assess Evaluability
Participants will explore the rationale for evaluability assessment, its purposes, and when to use it. They will examine the questions EA can address and the steps involved in conducting an assessment.
Next, participants will explore methods for assessing a program’s underlying logic, implementation, and context. Through practical exercises, they will consider how to gather and assess evidence that informs evaluation readiness.
Module 2: Assessing Plausibility and Determining Next Steps
Participants will apply analytical criteria to determine whether a program meets the conditions for evaluability. In particular, they will examine outcome plausibility using data gathered through the assessment.
They will assess whether the program’s design and current implementation can reasonably achieve its intended outcomes. Then, participants will use their findings to identify appropriate next steps. These may include proceeding with an evaluation, improving program design or implementation, or strengthening measurement capabilities.
Finally, participants will explore how to communicate findings and recommendations through products tailored to different audiences.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for evaluators, including those who are new to the field. It is also relevant for program managers, funders, and others who plan, commission, or oversee evaluations.
In addition, program staff responsible for program improvement will benefit from learning how to assess readiness and identify opportunities to strengthen program design and measurement.
Prerequisites
No prior experience with evaluation planning or evaluability assessment is required. All course materials will be provided.
