Researchers and evaluators will consider the purposes and functions of evaluation in DR K-12 research and development projects, and test different approaches in a working session.
The session will focus on: 1) considerations about the relationship of evaluation and research in terms of purposes/functions of evaluation for a DR K-12 development and/or research project; and 2) balancing internal/external/advisory board roles within those purposes/functions of evaluation. Panelists will comment on how projects they are involved in—as investigators or evaluators—have negotiated these considerations. The session will also include a design task for participants to consider what kinds of evaluation functions and arrangements might fit a proposal scenario, with a report out and debriefing on the task. The session will conclude as panelists tie the design task experience back into the initial set of considerations, and refine/add to that set as appropriate.