Evaluation policy: general principles (December 2010)

General manager, planning and innovation, (02) 9561 8099.

EVALUATION POLICY: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF EVALUATION

The principles of sound evaluation underpin quality evaluation in schools and TAFE
as well as major strategic evaluations by state and regional offices.
The way that these principles are applied will depend on the context of the
evaluation.
The principles include:
a. Validity: Comprehensively and accurately identifies:
the needs that are to be met by an activity (e.g. program, project, strategy,
policy or operational function)
the evidence that would indicate whether those needs are being met, the
extent to which they are being met and how
the perspectives of relevant stakeholder groups, including clients/students.

b. Rigour: Soundly and systematically applies appropriate, well designed data
collection methods and interpretive strategies to provide clear and accurate
information that can be relied on.

c. Utility: The evaluation design is able to provide timely, accurate and practical
information that meets the needs of the range of stakeholder groups.

d. Feasibility: The proposed evaluation can be completed within practical
constraints and available resources and is cost effective.

e. Transparency: Comprehensive, systematic and well justified recording and
reporting of all aspects of the evaluation including choice of methods and
analyses and the conclusions drawn.

f. Integrity:
evaluation is conducted in an ethical manner using appropriate, well
designed, data collection methods and interpretive strategies
reporting of results is clear, candid, comprehensive, accurate, fair and
balanced.

g. Efforts are made to promote appropriate and effective use of the findings.


Evaluation policy: general principles (December 2010)
General manager, planning and innovation, (02) 9561 8099.




For major strategic evaluations the principle of independence also applies i.e.
individuals involved in, or responsible for the design or delivery of a program, project,
strategy, or operational function will not be responsible for designing, undertaking or
reporting on its evaluation.