TEI Certificate Program

Master Evaluator Certificate

The Master Evaluator Certificate (MEC) is awarded after completion of two course-based certificates: the Certificate in Evaluation Practice (CEP) and the Certificate in Advanced Evaluation Practices (CAEP), and after completion of a portfolio of experience developed with the guidance of a mentor – a senior evaluator with extensive experience both in actual evaluation and in the training of evaluators. The MEC is individualized, allowing for the tailoring of a learning experience, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate evidence of your knowledge and skills reflecting a comprehensive range of evaluation approaches. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate that the candidate can make practical application of previously studied concepts and theories, and is able to take on the ordinary tasks of evaluation as an independent evaluator. The portfolio is a collection of documents that illustrates the quality and the variety of work you have accomplished as a practicing evaluator. The portfolio may include reflections on your work – things you might have done differently as a result of new learning.

Once the MEC candidate has completed the CEP and CAEP Certificates he/she must complete an application to enroll in the MEC program. The application process will map out the requirements for the completion of the Master Evaluator Certificate and match the MEC candidate with an appropriate mentor.

Requirements

• Completion of the Certificate of Evaluation Practice
• Completion of the Certificate of Advanced Evaluation Practice
• Actively working/practicing in the field of evaluation or evaluation-related activity

Application Process

• Annotated résumé or curriculum vitae that includes:
• Educational background
• Current evaluation activities
• Work sample (i.e., evaluation report or presentation you have completed or worked on, listing of evaluation projects completed, etc.)
• Personal statement
• Interest and motivation for completing the Master Evaluator Certificate
• Professional interests
• Portfolio Plan: Outline of the project(s) and/or work experience you plan to include as demonstrations of learning
• MEC Candidate expectation from the MEC mentoring process

Mentoring and Portfolio Review Fees
Application fee: $225.00

Mentoring Portfolio Review: the fee for the mentoring and portfolio review is equivalent to a three-day TEI course ($1295.00). The application will be reviewed and a mentor/reviewer will be assigned to the MEC Candidate. The mentor will work with the MEC Candidate to outline the portfolio to be presented as evidence of his/her evaluation accomplishments and expertise. The expectation is that completion of the MEC will be done within one calendar year. Additional fees may be assessed for longer completion intervals.

We are currently designing opportunities for TEI learners to submit demonstrations of learning that support the Certificate in Evaluation Practice (CEP), the Certificate in Advance Evaluation Practice (CAEP), and the Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM). While demonstrations of learning are not currently required, this process would provide those seeking the MEC to begin the process of gathering evidence – demonstrations of evaluation accomplishment and expertise.

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Certificate in Evaluation Practice

This Certificate is awarded after the completion of a prescribed set of courses designed to increase one's understanding of the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to produce valid and useable evaluations. The Certificate in Evaluation Practice (CEP) is intended for evaluators who are seeking a course of study that concentrates on exposure across the fundamentals of evaluation practice. The CEP is designed for evaluation professionals who do not have substantive formal training in evaluation; for those who wish to brush up on recent developments; for those who are seeking a systematic understanding of evaluation practice; and, for individuals who are approaching evaluation practice as a new endeavor. This Certificate serves as the first prerequisite for the Master Evaluator Certificate. The CEP requirements include 30 days of instruction. Fifteen days are to be selected from a group of required courses, and the remaining fifteen days are selected from among two groups of elective courses (Design & Analysis and Evaluation Practice & Inquiry).

Required: 15 days of instruction required in evaluation foundation courses

• Informing Practice Using Evaluation Models and Theories (3 days)
• Basics of Program Evaluation (3 days)
• Evaluation Research Methods: A Survey of Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (3 days)
• Professional Standards and Principles for Evaluation Practice (2 days)
• Working with Evaluation Stakeholders (2 days)
• Project Management & Oversight for Evaluators (2 days)
• Applied Measurement for Evaluation (2/3 days)

Electives:

• Design & Analysis – 9 days selected from the following topic areas
• Design:
• Design and Administration of Internet, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys (2 days)
• Using Non-experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation
• Sampling: Basic Methods for Probability and Non-Probability Samples (1 day)
• Using Program Theory and Logic Models in Evaluation (2 days)
• Utilization-Focused Evaluation (1 day)
• Analysis:
• Applied Statistics for Evaluators (4 days)
• Applied Measurement for Evaluation (2/3 days)
• Applied Regression Analysis for Evaluators (3 days)
• Qualitative Data Analysis (2 days)
• Qualitative Evaluation Methods (2 days)
• Making Evaluation Data Actionable (2 days)
• Linking Evaluation Questions to Analysis Techniques (3 days)
• Comparative Effectiveness: Exploring Alternatives to Randomized Clinical Trials (1 day)
• Mixed Method Evaluation Approaches (5 days – tentatively planned July 2011) +
• Introduction to Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (2 days)
• Evaluation Practice & Inquiry – 6 days selected from the following topic areas
• Effective Reporting Strategies for Evaluators (1 day)
• How to Build a Successful Evaluation Consulting Practice (1 day)
• Using Program Evaluation in Nonprofit Environments (1 day)
• Evaluating Decisions for Contracting Out/Outsourcing/Partnering (1 day)
• Policy Analysis, Implementation, and Evaluation (2 days)
• Policy Evaluation and Analysis (2 days)
• Evaluability Assessment (2 days)
• Strategy Mapping (2 days)
• Evaluating Training Programs (2 days)
• Culture and Evaluation (1 day)

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Certificate in Advanced Evaluation Practices (CAEP)™

This Certificate requires completion of the first level Certificate in Evaluation Practice, plus additional instruction designed to lead to an increased breadth and depth of understanding of the comprehensive array of approaches and theories of evaluation practice. It is for experienced evaluators and others who wish to expand their evaluation horizons, deepen their understandings, and increase their abilities to produce high quality evaluations tailored to programs that vary in nature and scope and that serve diverse audiences. This Certificate completes the course requirements for the Master Evaluator Certificate. CAEP Requirements: Completion of Certificate in Evaluation Practice, plus the 30 days of coursework from at least four of the following areas listed below. The CAEP Certificate is intended to provide a more comprehensive and in depth exposure to evaluation practice. Courses completed as part of the CEP requirements do not count towards the 30 days of instruction beyond the CEP, required for the completion of the CEAP.

TOPIC AREAS:

Area 1: Evaluative Inquiry

• Implementation Analysis for Feedback on Program Progress and Results (2 days)
• Internal Evaluation: Building Organizations from Within (2 days)
• Policy Evaluation and Analysis (2 days)
• Evaluability Assessment (2 days)
• Designing, Managing, and Analyzing Multi-Site Evaluations (2 days)
• Evaluating Training Programs (2 days)
• Strategy Mapping (2 days)

Area II: Design

• Using Non-experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation
• Design and Administration of Internet, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys (2 days)
• Sampling: Basic Methods for Probability and Non-Probability Samples (1 day)
• Developmental Evaluation: Systems and Complexity (2 days)
• Using Program Theory and Logic Models in Evaluation (2 days)

Area III: Analytic Approaches

• Area IIIa: Quantitative Analysis:
• Applied Statistics for Evaluators (4 days)
• Applied Measurement for Evaluation (2/3 days)
• Applied Regression Analysis for Evaluators (3 days)
• Practical Meta-analysis: Summarizing Results Across Studies (2 days)
• Linking Evaluation Questions to Analysis Techniques (3 days)
• Comparative Effectiveness: Exploring Alternatives to Randomized Clinical Trials (1 day)
• Mixed Method Evaluation Approaches (5 days – tentatively planned July 2011) +
• Intermediate Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (1 day)

• Area IIIb: Qualitative Analysis:
• Qualitative Data Analysis (2 days)
• Intermediate Qualitative Analysis (2 days)
• Qualitative Evaluation Methods (2 days)
• Case Studies in Evaluation (2 days)

Area IV: Outcome and Performance Assessments

• Performance Measurement (2 days)
• Policy Analysis, Implementation, and Evaluation (2 days)
• Outcome and Impact Assessment (3 days)
• Making Evaluation Data Actionable (2 days)
• Resource Evaluation and Systems Change (2 days)

Area V: Evaluation Practice

• Using Program Evaluation in Nonprofit Environments (1 day)
• Evaluating the Decision to Contract Out Programs/ Tasks/ Functions (1 day)
• Culture and Evaluation (1 day)

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Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM)™

This Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM) is awarded for completion of thirty days of coursework designed to help evaluators become more proficient in the use of a variety of designs and analytic approaches that are appropriate for use in evaluation studies. The CAEM is intended for evaluators seeking to further their knowledge, understanding, and expertise in the area of quantitative and/or qualitative methods applied to the investigation and explanation of outcomes, impacts, effectiveness, and efficiency of programs, innovations and interventions.

We recognize the need for practicing evaluators to have knowledge of both methodological approaches. Candidates for the CAEM may choose from courses focusing on quantitative and qualitative evaluation approaches; however, at least four days of instruction must be completed from courses identified as qualitative and at least four days of instruction must be completed from courses identified as quantitative.

Completion of the first-level Certificate in Evaluation Practice (CEP) before beginning the CAEM is strongly recommended, but is not mandatory. Two courses for the CEP are required for the completion of the CAEM.

There is overlap in terms of the elective courses that satisfy the CEP, CAEP and the CAEM. Many CAEM candidates partially fulfill the CAEM requirements by completing the CEP and CAEP. Courses marked “*” are courses that satisfy the CEP. Courses marked “+” are courses that satisfy the CEP or the CAEP.

Individuals currently working on the Certificate in Quantitative Evaluation Methods (CQEM) may continue to do so using the previous set of requirements. We recognize the importance for professional evaluators to have a working knowledge of both qualitative and quantitative analytic approaches. This led to the revision of the CQEM Certificate. Individuals are strongly encouraged to consider the CAEM, but may continue to pursue the CQEM, quantitative-focused Certificate through December 2010. Thereafter we will no longer be offering the CQEM Certificate.

Required Courses (Courses required for the completion of the Certificate of Evaluation Practice (CEP), also satisfy requirements for the Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM). Many of the CAEM courses also satisfy the requirements for the CEP and CAEP Certificates (marked * and +).

• Basics of Program Evaluation (3 days)
• Evaluation Research Methods: A Survey of Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (3 days)

Elective Courses

• Quantitative Focus:
• Applied Statistics for Evaluators (4 days)* +
• Applied Regression Analysis for Evaluators (3 days)* +
• Practical Meta-analysis: Summarizing Results Across Studies (2 days)* +
• Applied Measurement for Evaluation (2/3 days)* +
• Linking Evaluation Questions to Analysis Techniques (3 days)* +
• Intermediate Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (1 day)

• Qualitative Focus:
• Qualitative Data Analysis (2 days)* +
• Intermediate Qualitative Analysis (2 days)* +
• Qualitative Evaluation Methods (2 days)* +
• Using Program Theory and Logic Models in Evaluation (2 days)* +
• Case Studies in Evaluation (2 days)+

• Qualitative-Quantitative Applications:
• Mixed Method Evaluation Approaches (5 days – tentatively planned July 2011) +
• Sampling: Basic Methods for Probability and Non-Probability Samples (1 day)* +
• Outcome and Impact Assessment (3 days) +
• Making Evaluation Data Actionable (2 days)* +

• Design & Method:
• Design and Administration of Internet, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys (2 days)* +
• Using Non-experimental Designs for Impact Evaluation (2 days)* +
• Evaluating Training Programs (2 days)*

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NOTES: Courses required for the completion of the Certificate of Evaluation Practice (CEP), also satisfy requirements for the Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM). Many of the CAEM courses also satisfy the requirements for the CEP and CAEP Certificates (marked * & +).

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

A. Is the Certificate Program of The Evaluators' Institute a substitute for a university degree?

No, the Certificate program of TEl is not a substitute for university experience. The Certificates are meant to augment and enhance the learning students acquire from institutions of higher education, and to offer alternative ways for individuals to add to their knowledge and skills for practicing evaluation. The Certificates and supporting curricula identify a range of subject matter needed for the conduct of high quality evaluations and TEl provides courses to help evaluators acquire knowledge and skills in those content areas.

Students are able to pursue the courses as they have time to best fit their specific interests and their most immediate needs. It is true, however, that the subject matter provided in many TEl courses are not available in university departments/colleges that offer degree programs in evaluation. (See next question.).

 

B. What are some benefits of attending TEl courses as compared to university work?

Some of the benefits include:

(1) Access to courses not offered through any universities in a concentrated instructional format

(2) Instruction from internationally and nationally recognized faculty who are noted for their expertise in evaluation theory and practice. TEI faculty receive outstanding ratings from participants taking their courses.

(3) Opportunities to interact and network with evaluators and those overseeing and managing evaluation projects from many different organizations in the U.S., Canada and abroad (Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia) (Past and present TEl learners represent more than 80 countries.)

 

C. How much time does it take to complete the requirements for a TEl Certificate?

The Master Evaluator Certificate (MEC) requires the completion of the Certificate in Evaluation Practice (CEP) and the Certificate in Advanced Evaluation Practices (CAEP), plus development of a portfolio of experience targeted to key knowledge and skills used in evaluation practice.  An individual can complete the first MEC requirement, the CEP, after 30 days of TEl classes, and the CAEP after an additional 30 days of class time. There is no overlap of coursework across the CEP and CAEP.

The Certificate in Analytic Evaluation Methods (CAEM) and the previous Quantitative Evaluation Methods (CQEM) requires 30 days of instruction. All the CQEM classes can be applied to the CEP and CAEP (i.e., by selecting electives carefully for the CEP and for the CEP and CAEP, one can, at the same time, and with no additional coursework, also complete the CAEM and previous CQEM).

The actual amount of time required to complete a certificate depends upon (a) whether one is just beginning or has previously taken courses through TEl, (b) how many courses are taken each time one attends a TEl program, (c) how many programs per year are attended, and d) whether university credit is substituted for some of the TEl courses.

Courses taken as part of college/university degree programs may be substituted for TEI courses. Course substitutions may not exceed more than 10 units per Certificate (CEP, CAEP, CAEM/CQEM). (See Sections K, L, and M)

 

D. How much do the TEI Certificate Programs cost?

The TEI course fees vary in terms of the length of the course. You may select from one, two, three, and four day courses, each having a different fee. The course fees are listed on the TEI website (tei.gwu.edu/) under the “Programs” menu bar.

 

E. Will the courses taken in previous TEl programs count toward the requirements for the Certificates?

Yes. This means that many TEl past participants have already satisfied a number of the requirements for one or more Certificates.

 

F. How can previous participants receive a record of attendance in previous TEl courses AND determine their current status in terms of meeting requirements for one or more of the Certificates?

Send an email request for a course history to the TEI office at tei@gwu.edu. A listing of TEI classes completed will be provided.

 

G. Can the same course count toward more than one Certificate?

The answer is No and Yes. The CAEP is intended to provide opportunities for advanced learning and therefore, the same course does not count toward both the CEP and the CAEP. However, some courses taken to complete the CEP or CAEP Certificates can count toward the completion of the CAEM/CQEM. For example, Applied Measurement is an elective for both the CEP and the CAEP, and it is also a course option for the CAEM/CQEM. If one completes this course and has not already satisfied the elective course requirement for the CEP, this course will count for the CEP. If the CEP has already been awarded, this course could be rolled in to the elective requirement for the CAEP. And, in either case, it will also count for the CAEM/CQEM. So, while there is no overlap between the CEP and CAEP, there is overlap between the CEP/CAEP and the CAEM/CQEM Certificates. Note, too, that all the courses will count toward the Master Evaluator Certificate, given that both the CEP and CAEP are requirements for the MEC.

 

H. Do the courses have to be completed in any order?

While there is no set order for the completion of the courses satisfying the award of a certificate, it is recommended that individuals begin with the required courses for the CEP. The courses were grouped within the Certificate curricula to provide learners with an opportunity to be exposed to the most essential and most commonly used evaluation areas before going in depth with more specialized content. Thus, the first six courses of the CEP make sense to complete in the early part of completing the CEP Certificate. We recognize that a Certificate candidate may have a very pressing need for the content of a particular course at a particular time. In this instance, motivation to learn may outweigh any order that is suggested by a particular Certificate. Remember, all the courses count toward the Master Evaluator Certificate.

 

I. Can I split a course over more than one TEI Program (e.g., take the first day in DC and the second day in Chicago)?

No. TEI instructors typically make minor changes to course materials, incorporating the experiences of previous courses. Additionally, the pace of the class may differ depending on the participants.

 

J. Can one take courses that count toward the CAEP before finishing the CEP courses?

Yes. However, the CAEP will not be awarded until all the CEP coursework has been completed.

 

K. Can the CAEM/CQEM be awarded before the CAEP?

Yes. The CQEM can be completed absent completion of the CEP and CAEP. However, while it is not required, we do recommend that the Candidate complete at least the core-required courses of the CEP before completing the CAEM/CQEM. Note: Courses taken for the CAEM/CQEM will also count toward either the CEP or the CAEP.

 

L. What does one have to do to begin the Certificate program?

When you register for TEI courses you, we are automatically tracking the course you select and complete. Just let us know that you are pursuing one/more of the Certificates and we will flag your information in our database. Then, whenever you wish to receive a report showing progress to date, we are able to prepare a record of completed classes for you and for anyone else you might designate to receive that information.

 

M. Can one substitute college credit for some of the requirements for a TEl Certificate?

Yes. In certain instances, to be determined on an individual basis, college credit for a semester length course may be substituted for TEl credit. Substitutions may be permitted for up to one third of the requirements for a particular TEl Certificate (10 units of study). Note: University coursework should be recent, i.e., within the past 10 years. TEI courses for a certificate and university credit should expand a time no greater than 10 years.

 

N. What is the time limit for completion of a Certificate?

10 years maximum for combined TEl courses and any university work transferred in to substitute for TEl courses.

 

O. What must one do to request college credit substitution for TEI Certificate requirements?

Provide an official university transcript that shows completion of courses one wishes to substitute. Send to:

The Evaluators' Institute at The George Washington University
1922 F Street NW, Suite 407·A
Washington, DC 20052
Telephone: 202.994.5232
Fax: 1.800.863.1925

 

The following is required for each course you wish to have credited to a Certificate:

1. Identify the TEI course for which you request a substitution

2. Describe the course you have completed and want to substitute for a TEI course (title, semester hours completed and grade, year completed, institution at which completed, name of instructor), along with a description of this course (description from a university catalog or website OR syllabus from the completed course, with reference to where the description came from.)

3. Provide a rationale for why the course taken at university is sufficiently similar to the TEl course.

 

If you have additional questions/comments please contact: Dr. Ann Doucette, TEl Director: doucette@gwu.edu.

 

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