Abstract

Evaluators frequently confront situations in which local programs struggle to meet the expectations and requirements specified by the external program funder. How can evaluators meaningfully evaluate programs (for both the funder and grantee) in situations in which the external program logic clashes with local complexities? This paper discusses complex adaptive system (CAS) evaluations as one method that addresses this question. To exemplify a CAS evaluation approach, we use the case of a pay-for-performance program, the Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) program, a United States federal program implemented in numerous jurisdictions. Evaluation findings generated through a complex adaptive system approach have the potential to inform policy as well as assist the local program with ongoing improvements.