Principles-focused evaluation makes principles the focus of evaluation. Three questions are the focus of evaluation:

(1) To what extent and in what ways are the principles meaningful to those meant to be guided by the principles?
(2) If meaningful, to what extent and in what ways are the principles adhered to?
(3) If adhered to, to what extent and in what ways do principles guide results?

This eStudy presents and explains the GUIDE approach to developing and evaluating principles. GUIDE calls for principles to be directive, useful, inspiring, adaptable to contexts, and evaluable. Examples of principles-focused evaluations will be shared.

Learning Outcomes

• The niche, nature, and purpose of principles-focused evaluation.
• The evaluation criteria for conducting a principles-focused evaluation.
• The GUIDE framework for principles-focused evaluation.