12th Annual Statewide Education Seminar to be presented on June 21st in Norman

Evaluation Workshop Overview presented by Katie Fitzgerald

Evaluation can be a confusing and frustrating process. Many non-profit leaders wish that the “e” word would just go away because they have not experienced the benefit that good evaluation can bring to their programs and organization. Whether you would come to this June 21st session because you have an honest appreciation for the value of evaluation or because you are “required” to conduct an evaluation, this workshop will help you determine the ways in which you can use evaluation to make informed decisions about your program and organization.

The June 21st workshop will focus on evaluation as part of a basic planning and performance enhancement system that all non-profit programs and organizations should strive to put in place. Participants will work with others to develop logic models for their programs and learn about how these models not only form the basis for evaluating programs but also support organizational/program communications strategies. Working from their logic models, participants will learn about the key steps for evaluating programs and organizations. These steps include determining what to evaluate in the context of scarce resources, identifying indicators and performance measures, budgeting for evaluation (or doing evaluation on a dime), and ensuring that evaluation data is used by the organization. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn about and practice various evaluation methods (e.g., survey design, focus groups, case studies, etc.).

Beginners and experienced evaluators are welcome to attend, although the workshop will not focus on advanced evaluation techniques. There will be many opportunities for group work and discussion, practice using tools, and shared learning so all are welcome to attend and participate in this learning session.

The evaluation workshop is sponsored in part by the Philbrook Museum of Art and the Oklahoma Educators Association (OKME) Standing Professional Committee

The workshop will be held at the Sarkey’s Conference Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The cost for the workshop is $65 for OMA members and $85 for OMA non-members. Lunch and handouts will be provided. The deadline for registration is June 12th. Register online at www.okmuseums.org, or download a registration form at www.okmuseums.org/uploads/documents/RegistrationTemplate.doc. The Oklahoma Museums Association is offering a limited number of scholarships to students, staff or volunteers representing museums in Oklahoma, who are members of OMA. Scholarships cover the registration fee. OMA members who are interested in applying should submit a brief letter to the OMA office indicating interest and need no later than June 8. Letters may be mailed to the OMA office, faxed to 405.427.5068 or e-mailed to sodaniel@okmuseums.org.