We’re excited to share TRG’s contribution to the Leveraging the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Model to Evaluate Evaluation Capacity Building Work article that has been published in the academic journal, New Directions for Evaluation. This collaborative work reflects on a decade of experience using the Kirkpatrick model—originally designed for business training—to evaluate a multifaceted initiative funded by the National Science Foundation. The article offers an innovative perspective by adapting the traditional Kirkpatrick levels to fit the context of the EvaluATE project, addressing implementation and reach, satisfaction, learning, application, and impact. The article also suggests opportunities to enhance the model by incorporating culturally responsive and principles-focused evaluation approaches. Click Here to Explore how these adapted levels and integrated data sources provide a comprehensive framework for capturing the multidimensional aspects of evaluation capacity building.
About EvaluATE
EvaluATE serves as the evaluation hub for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, providing open-access resources, training, and research to support the ATE community. Their offerings include webinars, newsletters, blogs, and guidance on conducting, managing, and utilizing evaluations, along with insights from the annual ATE survey. While EvaluATE does not act as an external evaluator for ATE projects, it fosters connections among evaluators and project teams, sharing research findings and promoting collaboration. Based at The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, the EvaluATE team comprises evaluators and researchers nationwide. Through partnerships with ATE and STEM education organizations, EvaluATE enhances its ability to support and strengthen the ATE community.
