The future of evaluation policy

Abstract

We highlight some key issues regarding evaluation policy, including themes that emerged across chapters of this volume. These topics include what an evaluation policy is, the kind of content that evaluation policies can have, learning agendas (which are an increasingly common component of evaluation policies, especially at the U.S. federal level), the processes by which evaluation policies are developed and implemented, the role of relationships in evaluation policies, and the consequences of evaluation policy. We briefly highlight how the chapters in this volume offer guidance to those involved with developing, implementing, or revising an evaluation policy, especially—but not only—in the U.S. federal context in the wake of legislation signed into law in 2019. Looking to the future, we also share suggestions for further advances with respect to advocacy, accountability, research, and practice related to evaluation policies.