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.

Registration is Now Open!

Registration is now on a rolling basis, year-round. Seats are limited, and registration will remain open until the class is full.

About the CREE Learning 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. 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.

This three-part video teaching tool is broken down into four short videos per part that showcase learnings, offer new ideas, provide perspectives on approaching CREE-focused work, and ground learners in the foundations of CREE.

The participation fee for the CREE Learning Series is determined based on a sliding scale ranging from $200-$600*. 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.

What You Can Expect to Learn

Define key CREE principles and frameworks
Understand how and why culture influences evaluation work and the larger evaluation ecosystem
Identify and explain how a CREE approach supports equitable outcomes
Become familiar with the main differences between a CREE evaluation and a non-CREE evaluation
Identify approaches that align with a CREE practice and strategies for implementing these
Demonstrate the components of a shared approach to CREE
Recognize opportunities and challenges related to the application of CREE
Be positioned to advocate for CREE internally and externally in the larger evaluation ecosystem

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

The CREE Learning Series video teaching tool and discussion series will be hosted in Teach:able. Access to the Teach:able learning platform, videos, and workbook are available upon registration and will be accessible asynchronously for twelve months from the date of registration. Participants are invited to join three live virtual sessions:

Introduction to the CREE Learning Series
CREEcess With the Learning Guides
Connection & CREEflection

Videos

This beginner-to-intermediate-focused Series outlines CREE’s importance and delves into various aspects of its use. Upon signing up, participants gain access to several short video teaching tools created by CREE subject matter experts and learning guides through Teach:able. Each video showcases learnings, offers new ideas, and provides fresh perspectives on approaching CREE-focused work.

Workbook

Included with your registration is a comprehensive workbook intended to foster deeper understanding of the material covered in the video content and aid in its application.

Discussions

Before watching the videos, participants are invited to join one of the introduction sessions to learn about the Teach:able platform and engage in introductory discussions with peers on CREE.

After watching the videos, participants are invited to join one of the CREEcess sessions to further broaden their knowledge and offer insights on practice and implementation with fellow peers and learning guides.*

Upon completion of the content, all participants are also invited to join the last session of the Series, Connection & CREEflection, to reflect on their CREE journey and connect with learners. The plan for this event is ongoing, and we will update participants when it becomes available.

*Please note: You must register for any introduction and CREEcess sessions to ensure capacity.

Introduction to the CREE Learning Series

Friday, May 24 at 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET

Friday, July 19 at 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET

Friday, October 11 at 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET

CREEcess with the Learning Guides

Tuesday, August 13 at 3:30 pm-5:00 pm ET

Tuesday, November 12 at 3:30 pm-5:00 pm ET

Connection & CREEflection

Friday, December 13 at 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET

Content Breakdown

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

Registration is now on a rolling basis, year-round. Seats are limited, and registration will remain open until the class is full. The participation fee for the CREE Learning Series is determined based on a sliding scale ranging from $200-$600. 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.