Purpose
The checklist below is a reference for evaluators with tips and prompts. The checklist can help ensure critical steps have been included throughout the evaluation lifecycle.
Step 1: Assess Context
The first step in the CDC Program Evaluation Framework is to assess the context. It is vital that evaluators and evaluation interest holders understand the context in which the program operates and is designed to address.
Although assessing context is the first step in the framework, it is also important to note that the framework is designed to be iterative. All of the steps work together to make evaluations successful.
Evaluators also should refer to the CDC Program Evaluation Framework, 2024 and CDC Program Evaluation Framework Action Guide (Action Guide) for comprehensive information, tools and resources.
Applying the Cross-Cutting Actions and Evaluation Standards
As an evaluator, it is important to integrate the cross-cutting actions and evaluation standards when assessing the context within Step 1. Refer to Table 2 in CDC Program Evaluation Framework, 2024 for more information on how to apply these cross-cutting actions and evaluation standards to assess context.
Readiness for Evaluation
☐ Conduct an evaluability assessment
☐ Assess the clarity of program goals and theory of change
☐ Ensure availability of resources
People
☐ List all potential interest holders, including those who:
- Are served or affected by the program
- Plan or implement the program
- May use the evaluation findings
- Are skeptical about the program
☐ Engage with each group to understand how they will be involved with the evaluation.
☐ Refer to Table 1.3 in the Action Guide for an example of an interest holder engagement matrix, which will help outline the interest holder(s) and when to engage them.
Place
☐ Understand the place-based context in which the program and the evaluation are conducted.
- Ask the following questions to define program features:
- Why was the program developed?
- How does the program operate?
- What needs does the program intend to address?
- Who does the program serve?
- Who delivers the program, makes decisions, and/or influences the decision-making process?
- Define the environment in which the program occurs (i.e., economic, social and/or health patterns within that community area); ask the following questions:
- What are the historical, economic, social, and health dimensions of the community?
- How are similarities and differences in community perspectives distributed among persons who interact with the program?
Evaluation Capacity
☐ Understand the program's capacity to "do and use" the evaluation by assessing capacity of involved persons and organizations.
☐ Refer to Table 1.1 in the Action Guide for common examples of components of a program that are ready for evaluation versus not:
- Assess the capacity of each individual on the team based on their:
- Knowledge on approaches and methods
- Experience with developing evaluation tools and templates
- Experience with analytical and facilitation skills
- Attitudes and views towards the evaluation
- Assess your organizational capacity based on:
- Available financial resources
- Available human resources
- Organizational culture on evaluation and use of findings
- Available mechanisms for dissemination