Additional Resources

Looking for more evaluation tools and resources? We've assembled some outside evaluation materials.

A project of the Afterschool Alliance.

There are an array of organizations and resources to turn to that have the ability to answer evaluation related questions you might have. Below is a curated list of evaluation tools and resources that can help make evaluation work best for your program's needs. 

Introductory Materials:

  • BetterEvaluation - A website dedicated to the sharing and generating of information about evaluation methods, processes and approaches; it provides step-by-step instructions on how to embark on an evaluation process, as well as materials to better understand the components of evaluation.
  • Beyond the Bell Toolkit - This resource includes tips and tools to "take the guesswork out of designing, implementing, evaluating, and improving afterschool and expanded learning programs." (American Institutes for Research, 2014)
  • Afterschool Evaluation 101: How to Evaluate an Expanded Learning Program - A guide designed for afterschool program directors who have minimal or no experience with evaluation. The guide details each step involved in developing an evaluation strategy, from the early planning stages through how to analyze the data collected and present findings. (Harvard Family Research Project, 2011)
  • From Soft Skills to Hard Data: Measuring Youth Program Outcomes - A guide that reviews ten youth outcome measurement tools that can be applied in afterschool program settings, providing information on the usability, cost, and evidence of reliability and validity of each measurement tool. (Forum for Youth Investment, 2014)
  • Measurement Framework: How to Measure Success in Expanded Learning Systems – This document identifies a set of system-, program-, and youth-level outcomes that can be achieved through building citywide expanded learning systems. Particularly useful, are the example measurement methods and tools for youth outcomes such as engagement, social emotional skills, and academic achievement. (Every Hour Counts, 2014) 
  • The Center for the Advancement of Informal Science Education's (CAISE) Evaluation Toolkit - This evaluation toolkit from CAISE includes guidance on developing an evaluation plan, finding appropriate tools, and writing an evaluation report. While this resource is geared toward the larger informal science education field, particularly programs funded by the National Science Foundation, it can be useful to afterschool and summer learning practitioners as well. (informalscience.org)
  • Assessment Tools in Informal Science – Search this website to find appropriate tools for assessing youth outcomes and program quality in out-of-school time STEM learning settings. (Program in Education, Afterschool & Resiliency at Harvard University) 

Working with Data:

  • Data Parties - A website that includes ideas on how to foster participatory data analysis. You must enter your email address to access. (Community Solutions Planning and Evaluation)
  • Dabbling in the Data - A guide that provides 15 different approaches to analyze and interpret data in a meaningful way. (Public Profit, 2014)
  • Guide to Evaluation: Data Visualization - A list of resources available to help reframe and rethink about how to visualize data. (informalscience.org)

Innovative Data Collection:

  • Creative Ways to Solicit Youth Input - A collection of 16 non-traditional ways to solicit input from youth, including interviews, collages and focus groups. (Public Profit, 2012)
  • Beyond the Survey: 25 Engaging Approaches to Youth Program Evaluation - Examples of 25 easy approaches, ranging from reflection rubrics to sculpture summaries, that illustrate how afterschool program providers can collect program information that demonstrate the knowledge and skills students in the program are gaining. (Kaleen Tison Povis, University of Pittsburgh, Center for Learning in Out of School Environments, 2014)