
TOOLS AND
TECHNIQUES
Our services include program and
project planning, needs assessment, research, and evaluation. We realize
that every project has its unique needs and goals, and we strive to design plans, measure progress and outcomes,
and report findings in ways that
enable each to move towards its True North destination. View our primary tools and techniques below:

“You have been so wonderful to work with on this project and we are grateful for the tremendously valuable and high-quality evaluation reports True North Evaluation has provided.”
-Project Director
Meeting
Meeting regularly with stakeholders to plan and discuss all stages of evaluation, from design and implementation to data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Conducting Research
Conducting research (including instrument reliability and validity testing), inventory mapping, and needs assessment of programs across the spectrum (from single-focus/single site to statewide initiatives).
Surveys
Designing and administering surveys to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
Sharing Progress
Sharing progress and findings in a timely, ongoing manner that engages various stakeholders and promotes use of data for reflection, midcourse corrections when necessary, planning, progress monitoring, and decision-making.
Data Analysis
Analyzing data to meet client needs, research and evaluation questions, and funder reporting requirements. Techniques include thematic content analysis, descriptive statistics, and statistical testing (e.g., correlation, comparison of means).
Program Planning
Planning program design and delivery through logic models, theories of change, and reviews of literature and evidence-based practices.
Interviews
Conducting 1:1 and focus group interviews using structured or semi-structured protocols.
Repeated Measures
Administering repeated measures at agreed-upon time intervals to inform progress toward outcomes.
Identifying Needs
Identifying needs, and then designing the road map accordingly to meet expectations for research, process (formative) or outcome (summative) evaluation.
Mixed Methods
Employing mixed methods, with multiple sources, for data collections. These allow for data triangulation and contribute breadth and depth to data analyses and interpretation.
Observation
Observing delivery of technical assistance and other client services, which provides context, deepens understanding of program delivery, and allows for meaningful data collection.
Reporting Findings
Reporting findings in various formats to meet client needs. These may include formal narrative reports, brief data or executive summaries, presentations, and data visualizations.
“You did a fabulous job on our research project. You have helped arm us with extremely valuable information that I know we will put to good use. More than that, you were a delight to work with. You have my sincere thanks.”