The Outcome Evaluation Tool offers step-by-step guidance for planning and conducting an outcome evaluation, which measures how well a program achieves its intended effects on participant outcomes. It explains what outcome evaluation is and why it matters, outlines evaluation design options (e.g., pre-post designs, control groups), provides tips for selecting valid and reliable measures and managing data collection, and offers practical advice on data analysis and using findings to assess program impact and inform future decisions.
Source: Colorado State University Implementation Toolbox
Process Evaluation
The Steps for Process Evaluation resource outlines how to assess whether a program is being implemented as planned by systematically tracking key aspects of delivery. It guides teams to plan the process evaluation before implementation, identify what to measure (e.g., participant characteristics, attendance/utilization, fidelity/adherence, participant satisfaction, staff perceptions, work-plan adherence), determine data collection methods, assign responsibilities and timelines, and then analyze and summarize findings to inform midcourse corrections and support quality implementation. These steps help ensure the program runs according to design and provide documentation that can improve current and future implementations.
Adapting Evidence-Based Programs (EBPs) Part I: The do’s and do not’s
This brief provides guidance on making thoughtful adaptations to evidence-based programs (EBPs) while protecting their essential components. It uses a “traffic light” approach to distinguish types of changes—green-light adaptations that improve fit without compromising core elements, yellow-light changes that require careful consideration and consultation, and red-light changes that should be avoided because they could reduce effectiveness. The resource emphasizes planning, consulting program developers or technical assistance providers before adapting, and documenting any approved adaptations to support fidelity and positive outcomes.
Program Sustainability
This document provides practical guidance on planning for and maintaining the long-term continuation of evidence-based prevention programs in community settings. It explains why sustainability matters for lasting public health impact, outlines key factors and strategies that support sustained implementation (such as leadership support, ongoing funding, and integration into existing systems), and offers tools for assessing and strengthening a program’s capacity to endure beyond initial implementation. This guidance helps implementation teams move from project start-up to durable practice that continues to benefit communities over time.
Adapting Evidence-Based Programs (EBPs) Part II: Adapting EBPs – Common Reasons
This document expands on the Traffic Light Model for adapting evidence-based programs (EBPs), explaining why, when, and how to make adaptations while preserving effectiveness. It identifies common reasons that lead to red-light (avoid), yellow-light (cautious), and green-light (generally acceptable) adaptations and offers proactive strategies – such as using team planning, connecting with developers and technical assistance providers, and aligning program selection with community needs – to prevent harmful changes. The guide also provides practical examples of adaptations in each category and emphasizes evaluating any approved changes in collaboration with implementation support to maintain program integrity.
School Community Readiness
This resource explains community readiness for promoting positive school climate, describing how prepared a school community is to adopt new initiatives, programs, or policies and why assessing readiness matters for successful implementation and sustainability. It outlines the nine levels of readiness and five readiness dimensions (such as leadership support, community climate, knowledge, and resource availability) and provides practical steps and assessment questions to help schools determine their current level of readiness and plan actions to strengthen support before launching change efforts.
Coalitions Part 1: Defining and Forming
This resource explains the foundational steps for building and strengthening community coalitions, beginning with clear definitions of what coalitions are and why they matter for collective action. It outlines how to form a coalition – identifying shared goals, recruiting diverse members, and establishing structures and processes – and highlights early planning tasks that set the stage for effective collaboration and sustained community impact.
School Leaders: The Impact of School Leaders on a Positive School Climate
This resource outlines how school leaders can cultivate a positive school climate and culture by providing transformational leadership, building shared vision and goals, and fostering trust and collective efficacy among staff, students, and families. It highlights practical actions such as forming a school climate team, assessing community needs, selecting and implementing evidence-based supports, setting SMARTIE goals, using data for continuous improvement, and prioritizing responsive professional development to sustain positive environments for learning and well-being.
Coalitions Part 2: Establishing Effectiveness
This resource provides guidance on establishing and strengthening coalition effectiveness once a coalition is formed. It outlines practical strategies for setting clear goals, developing shared vision and action plans, defining member roles and responsibilities, establishing decision-making and communication processes, and monitoring progress to support sustained collaboration and measurable community impact.
Special Service Providers: The Impact of Special Service Providers on a Positive School Climate
This resource describes how special service providers (such as counselors, psychologists, and behavioral health specialists) contribute to a positive school climate by offering supports that enhance students’ social-emotional well-being and academic success. It outlines practical roles and strategies—such as using data to identify needs, facilitating evidence-based interventions, collaborating with teachers and families, and supporting inclusive, trauma-responsive practices—that help strengthen students’ sense of safety, connection, and engagement within the school community.