The Evaluation Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of ECA’s educational and cultural programs which foster mutual understanding, build knowledge and skills, and provide opportunities for cross-cultural learning and immersion, to both American and global participants.
The Division’s work consists of two types of initiatives designed to assess the effectiveness of ECA’s programs: performance measurement and evaluations. The data and information provided by our work enables program staff and senior management to both assess goal achievement and plan future programs.
Evaluations
- Consist of outcome evaluations
- Are retrospective and encompass cross-cutting themes
- Incorporate case studies to highlight findings
- Provide data for program planning and goal setting
Performance Measurement Initiatives
- Monitor the Bureau’s programs to track results
- Establish baselines and collect end-of-program, and follow-up data from participants
- Compare data across the three points to assess effectiveness
- Provide data for program planning and goal setting
The Division is comprised of experienced evaluators from a variety of fields who bring their unique skills and talents to monitoring and evaluating the Bureau’s programs. We rely on proven evaluation methodologies and integrate quantitative and qualitative analyses to provide “data for use” and implementable recommendations. For performance measurement, our staff designs and implements participant surveys, analyzes responses, and produces reports for program staff and other key audiences. Our evaluations are commissioned to experienced organizations in order to ensure independence and objectivity. We develop all evaluations in close consultation with the commissioned organizations, program staff, partner organizations, and U.S. embassies and consulates.
If you have any questions, would like to subscribe to our mailing list, or would like more information, please contact us at ecaevaluation@state.gov.
Contact Us
Send questions and comments, or sign up for updates on new report releases. ecaevaluation@state.gov
