Let us support or manage your evaluation needs from start to finish. Compass strives to implement high-quality evaluations directly aligned with your agency and/or program objectives in order to maximize both the credibility and utility of evaluation results. Our services run the gamut from designing and implementing experimental and quasi-experimental studies to developing paper-pencil and web-based evaluation instruments, analyzing and summarizing data, testing the usability of websites, and conducting meta-evaluations. We believe that evaluation extends beyond the collection and analysis of data into the application of results to improve and inform future planning and programming. Let us guide you through this process.
We offer training and on-going technical assistance to build the evaluation capacity of organizations. By providing real-world experiences in the application of evaluation concepts, methods, and findings, organizations learn the fundamentals of developing and implementing an evaluation. Compass also helps agencies improve their organizational development through strategic planning; program, resource, and board development; and team building.
We also have the ability and experience presenting information on evaluation to large audiences, either at annual professional meetings, corporate or organizational retreats, or grantee groups. Please contact us so that we may present information about evaluation tailored to your needs at your next event.
More frequently, evaluation is becoming a required component in grant proposals. Let us work with you to design and incorporate an evaluation plan that meets your needs and the needs of your funder. If you are a granting agency, Compass can help you outline the evaluation requirements for inclusion in your requests for proposals.
We provide extensive statistical consulting services ranging from experimental and quasi-experimental design to instrument validation (Classical Test Theory or Item Response Theory methods), to univariate and multivariate statistical analysis (such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, structural equation modeling, and hierarchical linear modeling). Our experience has involved use of many statistical software packages including SAS, SPSS, STATA, HLM, AMOS, MPLUS, LISREL, WINFACT & TESTFACT, and JMP. As part of our commitment to improving understanding and use of quantitative data, we also consult on theses and dissertations as well as provide statistical training.
Unlike many evaluators Compass has the skills to not only develop high-quality instruments, but assess their reliability and validity as well. With backgrounds in survey methodology Compass partners have the educational training and experience to conduct sophisticated statistical assessments of survey properties, pilot test instruments, and utilize such techniques as cognitive interviewing to gather critical feedback on the quality of instruments we or you have designed. Let us help you ensure that the tool you are measuring your program with is of the highest quality and utility possible.
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