Fostering Use: A Case Study of Evaluation Utilization in a Multi-Site STEM Program

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 7:45am
  In Poster Session: Liberatory Evaluation Practices: Utilization, Identity, and Community in Educational Research

Abstract

Evaluation use depends on both the evaluator’s ability to deliver useful findings and interest-holders’ capacity to use evaluation findings. While evaluation utilization has been widely studied, less is known about specific interest-holder factors such as willingness to participate and types of use, including symbolic, conceptual, and process, especially in complex contexts. This qualitative case study examines evaluation use in a large-scale, multi-site STEM program through focus group data and evaluator reflections. Guided by utilization frameworks, findings highlight early engagement, relevant evaluation questions, and accessible reporting as key to fostering use. This study contributes practical insights into how evaluators and stakeholders can collaborate to support meaningful utilization in large, multi-site evaluations.

Authors

• Courtney Stone, Arizona State University

• Rachel Hogan, Arizona State University

• Jessica Lopez, Arizona State University

• Ayesha Boyce, Arizona State University

• Caroline Long, University of Washington - Seattle

• Christopher Arnette, University of Washington