Standards of Practice

When we think about the Standards of Practice for evaluation, we are essentially 'evaluation the evaluators'. Greene (2017) explains that this involves looking at evaluators' social, technical and valuing practices. While it may seem controversial to evaluate the evaluator, an adherence to the Standards of Practice adds a valuable aspect of professionalism and competence to the field and process.

Thus, the evaluation plan for The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program adheres to the work of Yarbrough at al. (2011), specifically the Standards for Program Evaluation in the following ways:

Utility Standards

Attention to Stakeholders (U2): There are a myriad of executives, participants, operators and and donors involved in The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program. It is a program that is run as a collective - both by and for its stakeholders. Thus, throughout the process of consultation, data collection, finding dissemination and follow up, these stakeholders will be involved in the evaluation.

Feasibility Standards

Contextual Viability (F3): Many aspects of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program are sensitive in nature as they deal with socio-economic disparity, particularly when it comes to children. Thus, this evaluation will be respectful of and responsive to the social, cultural and political interests of the people involved in the program.

Propriety Standards

Responsive and Inclusive Orientation (P1): Canada is a diverse country - and this diversity brings up many different realities depending on regionality and demographics. Thus, the evaluation of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program will be conducted without bias or prejudice and will have the utmost respect for stakeholder dignity and privacy.

Accuracy Standards

Reliable Information (A3): The data collected for this evaluation is both quantitative and qualitative. Nonetheless, it relies heavily on direct sources of information from program participants and operators. In terms of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program, this may include perspectives from underprivileged children and/or their parents. These direct sources of qualitative data will be balanced with quantitative data and indirect sources so that the information remains credible and reliable. This will minimize bias.

Evaluation Accountability Standards

Evaluation Documentation (E1): From start to finish, this evaluation of The Grocery Foundation's School Breakfast Program will be documents with the utmost attention to details. The program evaluation design, procedures, data, and outcomes will be well-documented .