Our Evaluation Services

The Research Group offers a wide range of evaluation services to clients across the country. We have extensive experience designing evaluation studies, writing and reviewing funding proposals, developing and administering surveys, collecting and managing data, analyzing data, writing reports and articles, and presenting our findings to various and diverse audiences. Over the years, we have undertaken small and large-scale evaluation projects for both internal and external clients. Our evaluation services include:

Full Service Evaluation—Conduct a full-scale evaluation, including evaluation design, instrument development, data collection, analysis and reporting

Tailored Evaluation Services—Tailor any of the above activities (design, instrument development, data collection, analysis and reporting) based on existing capacity and budget of clients

Customized Evaluation Tool-Kits—Customize evaluation instruments and tools with training to build “do-it-yourself” evaluation capacity

Convening Expert Reviews—Convene meetings that develop and run review processes to allow for expert peer or scientific review and documentation of findings

We specialize in evaluating hands-on, inquiry-based science and mathematics programs. The Research Group conducts evaluations within and across formal (classroom, school, district), semi-formal (afterschool classes, camps, community), and informal (science centers, museums, home, media) settings. Topics of interest include:

• science or math learning opportunities
• educational reform efforts
• exhibitions and public programs
• teacher professional development
• instructional materials
• and environmental education programs

Our Philosophy

We work collaboratively with the client to design an evaluation plan and instruments that fit the needs of the project. The information collected and reported as part of the evaluation of educational programs is most useful when project leaders incorporate the development of the evaluation into the early stages of program planning and revisit the proposed evaluation as the work advances. Each evaluation design is uniquely tailored to the program being evaluated, taking into account the programmatic context to provide the appropriate framework to permit evaluators to understand the program’s progress toward achieving its stated goals.

Our Pricing

The cost of our evaluation services varies depending on the scale and scope of the project and funder requirements. We work closely with project leadership to develop a budget that meets the needs and budget of the particular project.

Our Reporting and Presentation Services

Our researchers are frequently asked to present our findings to various and diverse audiences. We routinely present findings briefings to project participants, project leaders and developers, organizational boards, and policymaking bodies. We also often present public findings at national, state, and regional conferences such as the Association of Science-Technology Centers, American Educational Research Association, American Evaluation Association, Coalition for Science After School, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, National Association of Research in Science Teaching, National Science Teachers Association, and the California School-Age Consortium.

We produce a variety of report types (formal printed evaluation reports; web-based reports; legislative reports; research and policy briefs; etc.) depending on the needs of the particular project and its funders.