Time: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (HST)/ 4:00 p.m. EDT

Location: Webinar

Description: Evaluation can be a complex and multilayered process. A key aspect of evaluation validity is cultural competence, which requires evaluators to ask several essential questions before—and throughout—the evaluation process. In this interactive REL Pacific webinar, Dr. Karen Kirkhart, professor at Syracuse University and former President of the American Evaluation Association, explores these important questions. What is the relationship between culture and validity in evaluation and how might we distinguish between terms like culturally competent, culturally responsive, multicultural, and cross-cultural? When mapping significant cultural dimensions of context in evaluation, what should evaluators consider? What are some key aspects of cultural location of evaluation theory and cultural dimensions of context that should be addressed in culturally sound evaluations?

Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss, in small groups, strategies, successes, and challenges around multicultural validity and evaluation theory.

Audience: Evaluators, researchers, administrators, policymakers

Speakers: Karen Kirkhart, Professor, Syracuse University Joanne Kelly, Consultant, REL Pacific at McREL

Report Citation: Hood, S., Hopson, R. K., & Kirkhart, K. E. (2015). Culturally responsive evaluation. Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation, 281.