The Evaluation Therapy Newsletter

Hi Reader, Based on conversations I've been having, it seems a lot of organizations updated strategic plans in the last few years. Now they’re trying to figure out how to track, measure, and otherwise document their progress toward those big-picture goals. More than once, I’ve reminded folks to start with meaningful, rather than immediately panic about measurable. This all made me think of a conference theme that has stuck in my memory for 19 years -- “Counting Visitors or Making Visitors...

Hi Reader, The hits just keep on coming, don't they? While we watch officials give a big middle finger to the Department of Education and IMLS,* it makes me think about how our orgs can step up to the plate for our K-16 learners. There are lots of ways you do this outside of schools. From field trips to afterschool and summer programs. Science cafes to mentoring and internships. But our out-of-school experiences rarely achieve the same intensity and consistency as classroom teachers. We're...

Hi Reader, Happy 2025, everyone! Based on these first two weeks, I feel confident in saying that it's going to be... a year. Hope you are hanging in there, wherever you are. On a Zoom call last week, someone asked about the plushies on the bookshelf behind me. (Two gorillas and a red panda. The wolverine is off-camera; he's shy.) The short explanation you may already know: I'm a zoo and aquarium person, from way back. I started my evaluation career in the Exhibition & Graphic Arts Department...

Hi Reader, It's been quite a week, hasn't it? I've found myself thinking a lot about education in recent days. Particularly, I'm thinking about education that develops and hones our critical thinking skills. Skills to hold and consider multiple ideas at the same time. Weigh evidence and multiple variables, particularly when they contradict. Seek multiple sources to validate information. Question potential bias in evidence sources. An education that should start early (elementary-aged kids can...

Hi Reader, I intended to send you this newsletter yesterday. But after attending the Science-Art Symposium at Denver Botanic Gardens this weekend, I scrapped our planned topic at the last minute. I was so inspired by the ideas shared by artists, scientists, educators, designers, CEOs, librarians, architects, and members of the community. I couldn't wait to reflect on some common themes. Well, one theme in particular. Slowing the f*** down. I wish I'd made tally marks every time a presenter...