1. CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS CIPP evaluations should be grounded in explicit advance agreements with the client, and these should be updated as needed throughout the evaluation.
Evaluator Activities
o Develop a clear understanding of the evaluation job to be done.
o Secure agreements needed to assure that the right information can be obtained.
o Clarify for the client, in general, what quantitative and qualitative analyses will be needed to make a full assessment of the program.
o Clarify the nature, general contents, and approximate required timing of the final summative evaluation report.
o Clarify the nature, general contents, and timing of interim, formative evaluation reports and reporting sessions.
o Reach agreements to protect the integrity of the reporting process.
o Clarify the needed channels for communication and assistance from the client and other stakeholders.
o Secure agreements on the evaluation’s time line and who will carry out the evaluation responsibilities.
o Secure agreements on the evaluation budget and payment amounts and dates.
o Clearly define provisions for reviewing, controlling, amending, and/or canceling the evaluation.