Fall 2026 Essential Skills Series Intensive

Join us for a four-day in-person facilitated course on the foundations of evaluation! This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society. Participants will gain: • Basic knowledge and skills, • Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation, • Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and • Development as an evaluation professional. The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course. Course Competencies Participants will be able to describe in basic terms: • the uses and benefits of evaluation • common settings in which evaluation takes place • where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle • underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications • the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place • the range of terminology used in evaluation • causes of, and responses to, resistance • potential misuses of evaluation • cultural considerations in conducting evaluations • ethical considerations with respect to evaluation • evaluation standards • evaluation as a profession • the role of CES, including the CE system • special applications of evaluation • the relevance of, and processes associated with: • identifying evaluation objectives • identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles • develop a program profile • creating evaluation questions and indicators • common data collection methods • creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods • collecting data, including performance monitoring • data management • assessing data quality • data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis • determining evaluation scale and budget • project management • synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations evaluation reporting and dissemination • Participants will also gain elementary experience in: • creating logic models • developing indicators • question construction • creating an evaluation matrix • writing findings statements • creating a reporting plan About the Facilitator Paul Favaro Ph.D., CE is the Chief of Research, Program Evaluation, and Accountability for the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, Ontario. He teaches management sciences at York University in Toronto. Dr. Favaro has authored or co-authored articles, chapters, and technical reports, and has conducted professional training workshops in the areas of program evaluation, performance measurement, and research methodology. He is on the editorial board of The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation. Throughout his career, he has worked as a research consultant to a wide variety of government ministries, educational organizations, charitable foundations, and community-based programs. He has held several executive positions on the board of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). In 2010, he was awarded a fellowship in the CES. He is a Credentialed Evaluator by the Canadian Evaluation Society