[Rebecca]

Thanks, Nads, for posing this question! Great to see the discussion and resources shared by folks; I’m happy to provide a few summarizing points and additional resources!

Program evaluation and performance measurement are distinct, yet complimentary methods for learning about and improving organizations or program activities. To understand the differences between the two, we can explore their definitions, some guiding questions, and the frequency in which you would engage in these inquiry activities:

Program evaluation (PE): PE offers a systematic approach to which we collect, analyze, and make use of information. The intention of evaluation is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a program or organization, and to improve and inform future activities. PE is conducted as a discrete activity to assess whether a program is working, why, and for who.

Performance measurement (PM): In contrast, PM is an ongoing process that aims to monitor and report on a program’s progress towards its pre-established goals. As a continuous process, PM uses key indicators which are reported on regularly, and used to identify the need for adjustments in order to achieve stated objectives or goals.

Gary provided a great quote that offers an important difference between the two approaches! To add to this, each of these approaches can be guided by different questions. Program evaluation addresses the questions, “why did it happen?”, “how did it happen?” and “where do we go from here?” Whereas when using PM, we may aim to answer: “what occurred?” or “what is occurring?”

Given the inter-related nature of these two approaches, they are often confused, making it challenging to determine when, where, and how to use each tool. The CDC offers a great resource that delves into how program evaluation and PM can complement and support one another, and provides considerations for employing PE or PM.

For a comprehensive comparison of these methods, including two case studies examples, I also recommend exploring: https://www.evaluation.gov/assets/resources/Performance-Measurement-and-Evaluation.pdf

[Nads]

Thank you! found it! great doc!

[Nads]

is there a link?

[Gary A]

Check google for a doc called Performance Measurement to

Evaluation from the Urban Institute. It’s a great read.

“Performance measurement tells what a program did and how well it did it. Evaluation tells the program’s effect on the people, families, or communities it is serving,”