2014 conference schedule

Keynote

Making Evaluation Useful

by Jean A. King

This plenary session will begin with the assertion that all evaluation, finally, must be participatory because every evaluation has to—at minimum—involve people in its framing and implementation and, finally, in using its results. Topics will include what we know from research on increasing the use of evaluation, what evaluators can do to facilitate the involvement of participants, and the important distinction between evaluation and evaluation capacity building (ECB). The session will also include implications for practice and how to apply these ideas.
Jean King is a Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development at the University of Minnesota where she serves as Director of the Minnesota Evaluation Studies Institute (MESI). She moved to the University of Minnesota in 1989 as the founding director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) in the College of Education and Human Development, a position she held for four years before working collaboratively to revitalize program evaluation instruction in the College. A sought-after presenter and long-time writer on evaluation topics, she is the author of numerous articles, chapters, and reviews. Her most recent book, Interactive Evaluation Practice (with Laurie Stevahn), was published in 2013. Professor King has received several awards for her work, including the Myrdal Award for Evaluation Practice and the Ingle Award for Extraordinary Service from the American Evaluation Association, three teaching awards, and three community service awards. From 2012 to 2014 she served on the research and evaluation team for the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education. Jean A. King
   

Jean King with conference attendees, Koolau Ballrooms, Kaneohe, HI.