CREE Learning Series

Creating a Shared Understanding of CREE

Culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE) is not just one method of evaluation, it is an approach that should be infused into all evaluation methodologies. CREE advances equity by informing strategy, program improvement, decision-making, policy formation, and change.

About the Series

Expanding the Bench® (ETB) works to support Evaluators and Funders of Evaluation to ensure that power is distributed equitably to lead change toward justice. Our work lifts up the strengths and careers of racially and ethnically diverse Evaluators who have been historically and/or are presently underrepresented or marginalized in the U.S. In doing so we reach many audiences, and it’s vital that we create a shared understanding around culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE). That’s why, with help from content experts and learning guides, we developed the CREE Learning Series.

The CREE Learning Series provides an introductory overview of culturally responsive and equitable evaluation for beginner-to-intermediate learners that outlines key principles and theory, importance in evaluation practice, and various aspects of its application. The Series includes self-paced learning through video content and discussion boards on an online platform, further exploration and exercises through a guided workbook, and live discussions with learning guides and peers.

The participation fee for the CREE Learning Series is determined based on a sliding scale ranging from $200-$500*. Participation is free for Advancing Culturally-responsive and Equitable (ACE) Evaluation Network Members, community members of the Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) Program, students, and direct Funders of ETB.

*These proceeds financially support the sustainability of our mission and programming efforts and allow us to continue offering programming and opportunities for racially and ethnically diverse evaluators.

Explore the CREE Learning Series! Here’s how it works:

This self-paced, three-part learning series provides a hybrid approach to learners through a series of short informational videos and exercises in a guided workbook followed by live discussions with a diverse audience of evaluators, funders, evaluation partners, and others interested and invested in CREE.

1. Watch the Videos

The Series is offered in three parts, with each part containing four videos (about 10 minutes in length, each). Topics include:

People walking around in a room with a dark purple overlay

- 1.1 – Introducing Learners to CREE By Rachele Espiritu, PhD and Elizabeth Waetzig, JD – Change Matrix
- 1.2 – Exploring How Culture Influences Evaluation By Tamara Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH – Simmons University
- 1.3 – Addressing Why Equity in Evaluation Matters By Tamara Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH – Simmons University
- 1.4 – Defining CREE Frameworks and Principles in All Phases of Evaluation By Sharonlyn Harrison, PhD – Public Research and Evaluation Services
- 2.1 – Bringing to Light Differences Between a CREE Evaluation and a Non-CREE Evaluation By Donna M. Mertens, PhD – Gallaudet University
- 2.2 – Exploring the Different Methodologies Used in CREE Practice By Donna M. Mertens, PhD – Gallaudet University
- 2.3 – Developing a Shared Approach to the Practice of CREE By Michael P. Arnold, PhD – Informing Change
- 2.4 – Addressing Challenges and Opportunities Involved in Applying CREE By Michael P. Arnold, PhD – Informing Change
- 3.1 – CREE: Improving Evaluation and Data Quality By Arthur Hernandez – University of the Incarnate Word
- 3.2 – CREE Within Evaluation Organizations By Carlos Romero – Apex Evaluation
- 3.3 – CREE Within Funder Organizations By Jackie Williams Kaye – Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
- 3.4 – Building External CREE Support By Jackie Williams Kaye – Wellspring Philanthropic Fund

2. Submit a Question or Reflection

After you finish viewing videos from any part of the Series, you are invited to share questions and reflections to raise in the corresponding live discussion. Send any questions or reflections to team@expandingthebench.org no later than 48 hours before upcoming live discussions.

3. Join Us for a Live Discussion

ETB will host three virtually facilitated live discussions that correspond with the Part I, II, and III video content. During these sessions, participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences to learn from one another and to gain a better understanding of CREE.

Introduction to the CREE Learning Series: Wednesday, August 30, 2023