Program Evaluation

Program evaluation looks at how well programs work, including whether its goals and objectives are being met. Effective program evaluation is a systematic way to improve and account for public health actions by using procedures that are useful, credible, feasible, ethical, and accurate. It is important to integrate evaluation from the very beginning of program development to assess whether a program is meeting its goals and to identify ways it can be improved. Program evaluation should be an ongoing process with evaluators doing the following:

• Consulting stakeholders.
• Defining program goals.
• Devising evaluation questions.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Forming judgments and recommendations.
• Sharing lessons.

A state oral health program should seek expert assistance in planning and conducting its evaluation activities. This could include a shared program evaluator position with other CDC-funded programs or collaboration with partners to take advantage of expertise in the community and local universities. Programs should assemble an evaluation team to assist in the development of an evaluation plan and program logic models. CDC provides resources to boost state evaluation efforts.

Additional Resources

Success Stories Workbook: Impact and Value: Telling Your Program's Story

American Evaluation Association

CDC Framework for Program Evaluation

Steps for Developing Logic Models [PDF–1.8MB]