Mark your calendars!

The next meeting will be held on Friday, November 15, 2013 at the RTP Marriott  beginning at 11 am.

And at this meeting, there are not one, not two, but three presentations!  Each one addressing the very popular topic of data visualization and its implications for evaluation.

Meeting Agenda

• 11:00am – 11:10am Announcements and Introduction
• 11:10am – 12:15pm Data Visualization: New Directions, Implications, and Infographics
• 12:15pm – 1:00pm Optional networking lunch at Newton’s Restaurant located in the hotel

Amy A. Germuth, Ph.D. on the Implications of Data Visualization History for Evaluation

Amy A. Germuth is the founder and president of EvalWorks, LLC which designs, manages, and conducts formative and summative evaluations PreK-16 education initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. Much of her work involves evaluating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives funded by the US Education Department and National Science Foundation. Other current and past clients include The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Pew Charitable Trust, New York State Education Department, Chicago Public Schools, and multiple colleges, universities, and school systems.

As a committed member of the American Evaluation Association, Amy is the outgoing chair of the Data Visualization and Reporting TIG and former chair of the Independent Consulting TIG.

Amy will be presenting her New Directions for Evaluation chapter about the history of data visualization and its impact on and implications for evaluation, including what is data visualization and what should data visualizations do / can’t they do.

Chris Lysy on Interactivity and Approachable Data

Chris Lysy has 10 years of experience in research and evaluation working in for-profit and non-profit settings; he currently holds a position as an analyst for Westat. Chris is committed to helping evaluators effectively use the web.

His professional interests in social media and data visualization have lead to the creation of several blogs including freshspectrum.com, evalcentral.com, and rtpeval.org. In the upcoming year he plans to take his experience and apply it directly to practical challenges faced by evaluators.

Chris will be discussing his New Directions for Evaluation chapter: Developments in Quantitative Data Display and Their Implications for Evaluation. Specifically, he will focus on new opportunities provided by the web that allow evaluators to analyze and present large and sometimes complex datasets in an approachable manner.

Felix Blumhardt, Ph.D. on Creating a “Sustainable” Infographic

Felix Blumhardt it the Regional Manager of the Carolinas for The Evaluation Group, a small southeastern evaluation company with offices in Columbia, SC and Atlanta, GA. The Evaluation Group conducts utilization-focused evaluations that are participatory in nature for large and small education and human service grants.

Prior to working with The Evaluation Group, Felix conducted research and evaluation for The Center for Training, Evaluation, and Research of the Pacific Rim at the University of Hawaii – Manoa. When Felix is not sifting through data and engaging stakeholders, you may find her white-knuckling her car seat as her 15 year-old learns how to drive.

Felix will present on infographics. Infographics are a trendy option for reporting to stakeholders. They can be catchy and palatable. But is there a Paul Harvey? What is the rest of the story? Felix will demonstrate how to create an infographic that is “sustainable” and briefly discuss the pros and cons of its use.

To Attend

Please RSVP to Amy Germuth (RTPE President) at agermuth @ gmail . com

Notice: Our next meetings will be held February 21, 2014 and May 16, 2014.