CDC Program Evaluation Framework

At a glance

CDC's Program Evaluation Framework guides public health professionals in conducting program evaluation. It is a practical, nonprescriptive tool, designed to summarize and organize essential elements of program evaluation.

About CDC's Program Evaluation Framework

CDC's Program Evaluation Framework provides a guide for designing and conducting evaluation across many programs and settings within and outside public health. It can be used to build evidence, understand programs, and improve evidence-based decision making. The framework consists of:

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Circular graphic with center, middle, and outer rings displaying the standards, steps, and cross-cutting actions of the CDC Evaluation Framework.
CDC Program Evaluation Framework Graphic

Cross-Cutting Actions

The three Cross-Cutting Actions are the foundational principles of the evaluation framework, and should be woven into each step of an evaluation:

  • Engage collaboratively
  • Advance equity
  • Learn from and use insights

Evaluation Standards

High quality evaluation should consider these five Evaluation Standards:

  • Relevance and utility
  • Rigor
  • Independence and objectivity
  • Transparency
  • Ethics

Evaluation Steps

Each evaluation should follow these steps:

  • Assess the context
  • Describe the program
  • Focus the evaluation question and design
  • Gather credible evidence
  • Generate and support conclusions
  • Act on findings
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Content Source:
About CDC Approach to Program Evaluation; About Office of Policy, Performance, and Evaluation