CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation

Definition

CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation is a systematic process designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of public health programs. This framework emphasizes the importance of engaging stakeholders, describing the program, focusing on evaluation design, gathering credible evidence, and using findings to inform decisions. It serves as a guide for public health leaders and advocates to assess and enhance program outcomes effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The framework consists of six steps: engaging stakeholders, describing the program, focusing on the evaluation design, gathering credible evidence, justifying conclusions, and ensuring the use of evaluation findings.
2. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement at all levels to ensure that the evaluation addresses relevant questions and meets the needs of those involved.
3. The framework supports both formative evaluation (to improve program processes) and summative evaluation (to assess outcomes).
4. Utilizing this framework helps programs become more transparent and accountable by providing a structured approach to assessing effectiveness.
5. The CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation is adaptable to various public health initiatives, making it a versatile tool for practitioners and policymakers.

Review Questions

• How does stakeholder engagement enhance the effectiveness of CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation?
  • Stakeholder engagement is crucial because it ensures that the perspectives and needs of those affected by the program are taken into account. By actively involving stakeholders, evaluators can identify relevant questions and criteria for success, which leads to more meaningful evaluations. This collaboration not only improves the quality of data collected but also fosters buy-in from stakeholders, making it easier to implement changes based on evaluation findings.
• Discuss the role of evaluation design within CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation and its impact on program outcomes.
  • Evaluation design is fundamental in determining how data will be collected and analyzed within CDC’s Framework. A well-structured evaluation design provides clarity on what aspects of the program are being assessed and ensures that appropriate methods are used. This impact can be seen in how effectively programs can demonstrate their successes or areas needing improvement, ultimately guiding decisions that influence public health outcomes.
• Assess how the CDC's Framework for Program Evaluation can adapt to different public health initiatives while maintaining effectiveness.
  • The CDC’s Framework is versatile enough to be tailored for various public health initiatives by modifying its steps to fit specific contexts and needs. For instance, smaller community programs may focus on simpler designs with direct stakeholder feedback, while larger initiatives might require comprehensive data collection strategies. Regardless of scale, maintaining core principles like stakeholder engagement and credible evidence gathering ensures that evaluations remain relevant and impactful across diverse settings.

Related terms

Stakeholder Engagement: The process of involving individuals or groups who have an interest in the outcome of a project or program, ensuring their input and perspectives are considered.

Evaluation Design: A structured plan that outlines how an evaluation will be conducted, including methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Logic Model: A visual representation that links a program's resources, activities, outputs, and intended outcomes, helping clarify how the program is expected to work.