Now that you have received completed evaluation data – stacks of surveys, tapes and notes from interviews, or printouts of existing records – what does it all mean?  The purpose of this phase in the evaluation process is to attach meaning, or interpretation to the information gathered.  During this phase of the evaluation process, one primary question needs to be addressed:

• Is the way in which I am compiling and tabulating the information useful in determining whether or not our program has achieved its outcome objectives?

At this point, a data analysis plan needs to be developed which includes identifying what type(s) of analysis should be conducted, and who will be responsible for that analysis.  An important part of this process is to identify individuals within your program that have the skills for data analysis, or to identify what types of technical resources will be required to analyze the data.

PHASE 6 >> COMMUNICATE