Introduction

An important aspect of every HIV education program is program evaluation. Evaluation of HIV education is especially important since so little is known about these programs. Only through well-designed, systematic evaluations can the essential components of successful HIV programs be identified. Further, evaluation results will provide educators with information regarding the expected effects of well-designed and adequately implemented HIV education programs.

Objectivity is vital to an effective evaluation, and an external evaluator is often the surest method of attaining that. An external evaluator, however, should not be hurriedly chosen, because program personnel can easily become dissatisfied with an inappropriate evaluation approach and can then question the usefulness of its results.

Well-planned and well-conducted evaluations are invaluable in determining how an HIV education program can be improved. Such evaluations can also assist program personnel in making judgments about program effectiveness with a target population. The following seven guidelines can direct you in selecting and interacting with an appropriate external evaluator.

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