An application of the Impact Evaluation Process for designing a performance measurement and evaluation framework in K-12 environments

This article illustrates the application of the Impact Evaluation Process for the design of a performance measurement and evaluation framework for an urban high school. One of the key aims of this framework is to enhance decision-making by providing timely feedback about the effectiveness of various performance improvement interventions. The framework design process is guided by the Impact Evaluation Process, and included the participation of key stakeholders including administrative and teaching staff who all contributed to the performance measurement and evaluation framework design process. Key performance indicators at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels were derived from the school vision, and linked to specific interventions to facilitate the continuous evaluation and improvement process.

► Without this clear linkage, it becomes particularly difficult to determine specifically what initiatives are contributing to observed outcomes and in what ways, and therefore, we lack the necessary feedback for timely modifications and improvement.
► Evaluation can provide a systematic and systemic framework that aligns stakeholders, evaluation purposes, desired outcomes, and all evaluation activities, so that the evaluation product is a responsive and clear recipe for improving performance.
► A dynamic evaluation system is continuously updated with indicators that are relevant not only to the long term goals we hope to accomplish, but also to the mid-term, and often changing short-term goals.