What does this research mean for the field?

Future progress in Extension evaluation requires a renewed focus on improved logic models, building organizational evaluation capacity, and emphasizing the practical use of evaluation results. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This commentary aims to reassess and advocate for enhanced program evaluation practices in Extension.

May 28, 2026

What Progress, Program Evaluation? Reflections on a Quarter-Century of Extension Evaluation Practice

Key Points

This commentary aims to reassess and advocate for enhanced program evaluation practices in Extension.
Reviews historical progression of program evaluation since 1983.
Discusses the importance of logical logic models.
Highlights the necessity for organizational evaluation capacity and support.
Emphasizes the increased need for accountability in extension programming.
Calls for a renewed focus on the practical use of evaluation findings.
Advocates for improved support systems within organizations to enhance evaluation efforts.

Abstract

The September 1983 issue of the Journal of Extension was devoted entirely to the topic of program evaluation, marking the beginning of a new emphasis in Extension programming. This "call to action" was based largely on the need for program accountability; Extension educators could no longer afford to assume their programs worked or that their worth was self-evident. In the years since, evaluation in Extension has developed considerably. This Commentary explores a new call to action for evaluation in Extension, with a focus on more "logical" logic models, organizational evaluation capacity and support, and a greater emphasis on evaluation use.

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