Liam Downing (Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation), Rydr Tracy (Department of Education)While evaluation capacity building is not an exact science, practitioners can benefit from understanding what has worked in other settings. This session will provide insight for evaluators at all levels into the factors underlying a successful and growing evaluation capacity building strategy within a large, state level education department; with lessons applicable across different sectors.
Strengthening evaluation capacity is a key component of evaluative practice within large sectors (or - more specifically - very large sectors). This is particularly apparent in spaces where practice and outcomes are constantly under scrutiny, and where stakes - for beneficiaries, policymakers and practitioners - are high. The early childhood, primary and secondary education sector is a perfect example of this high-stakes space; and a space where evaluation capacity building can be of benefit.
The NSW Department of Education is home to a small but influential team that focuses on building evaluation capacity among school leaders, teachers and corporate personnel. Established in 2016, the Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB) project is well regarded within the Department and has been identified by the Department of Premier and Cabinet as an example of effective service delivery in the NSW public sector. This presentation will outline key activities undertaken in this space over the last three years, and identifies five key enabling factors that have been instrumental in the project's success so far:
- Leveraging existing structures and reforms
- Establishing and maintaining a strong authorising environment
- Effective collaboration at multiple levels
- Operating with the right mix of skills and support
- Engaging in a disciplined design process within
The session will detail how each factor influenced the impact of evaluation capacity building efforts, and provide practitioners with a potential roadmap for what might work in their own sectors.
