W.K. Kellogg Foundation Evaluation Handbook

Available online as a pdf (or it may be ordered from the Kellogg website for free), this 116-page handbook from the Kellogg Foundation provides a framework for thinking about evaluation as a relevant and useful program tool: “For those with little or no evaluation experience, and without the time or resources to learn more, this handbook can help project staff to plan and conduct an evaluation with the assistance of an external evaluator.” A blueprint for conducting project-level evaluations, this handbook is an excellent resource and was written primarily for project directors who have direct responsibility for ongoing evaluation. The handbook contains two principal sections: Part one presents an overview of the Kellogg Foundation's philosophy and expectations for evaluation, and a summary of the most important characteristics of its approach to guiding project-level evaluation. Part one also reviews the contextual factors that have led to an imbalance in how human service evaluation is defined and conducted and includes recommendations for creating a better balance between proving that programs work and improving how they work. Part two provides a description of the three components of project-level evaluation (context, implementation, and outcome) that can assist project staff in addressing a broad array of important questions about their project. In addition, part two provides a blueprint for planning, designing, and conducting project-level evaluation. Throughout part two, case studies provide project directors with real examples of ways in which evaluation can support projects. [Summary adapted from Kellogg's website.]