Research & Program Evaluation

I empower people working in education institutions, arts organizations, and nonprofits to create a culture of inquiry, answer critical questions, and utilize the new knowledge they create to improve their practice. I will demystify research and evaluation and support clients to become leaders in the research and inquiry process. We will align our work with the values and mission of your organization, the questions you are seeking to answer, and the communities and cultures in which you are embedded. We will use a mindful approach to research and engage in creative practice in our work together.

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Three Elements of CIL Research & Program Evaluation Support

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Inquiry Culture: Through engaged research activity we will make visible and integrate stakeholders’ values and experiences. We will build a sense of collective inquiry around the problems, puzzles, and priorities central to your organization. All stakeholders will become researchers—bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to shared questions and taking active roles in answering those questions.

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Mixed-Methods Research: Together we will engage in a cycle of inquiry to identify problems of practice in your organization and generate new knowledge to address those problems using powerful research tools. These tools include literature review, peer group analysis, building a theory of change, utilizing theoretical frameworks, data collection, and data analysis. We draw from a wide range of research traditions (qualitative, quantitative, and arts-based) and ensure that the approach to inquiry aligns with the values and culture of your organization and the nature of the questions you have.

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Utilizing Insights to Make Change: I will guide you in making meaning from the data you gather and provide strategies to present your findings in compelling ways to diverse audiences. I will scaffold you in utilizing the new knowledge you’ve created to improve practice at your organization in a manner that is aligned with your values and vision.

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Specialization: I provide program evaluation support and generate new knowledge about what works, for whom, and under what conditions. I support organizations in creating monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems to gather data about over time and to use those data to improve decision making. I also assist in designing and conducting research to answer questions that live outside of the scope of typical monitoring & evaluation activity. Questions that drive research support might focus on student learning outcomes, curriculum & pedagogy, and educational equity. A key focus is empowering clients to assume leadership roles in the inquiry process, and to utilize new knowledge from research to inform their practice. I offer both short-term Sensemaking Retreats—targeted research & program evaluation support as well as extended support for long-term inquiry.