August 2026 Essential Skills Series Intensive
2026-08-24 08:00 - 2026-08-27 16:00 UTC | Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, 30 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2E9, Canada
This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society.
Participants will gain:

Basic knowledge and skills,
Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.
Course Competencies
Participants will be able to describe in basic terms:

the uses and benefits of evaluation
common settings in which evaluation takes place
where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle
underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications
the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place
the range of terminology used in evaluation
causes of, and responses to, resistance
potential misuses of evaluation
cultural considerations in conducting evaluations
ethical considerations with respect to evaluation
evaluation standards
evaluation as a profession
the role of CES, including the CE system
special applications of evaluation
the relevance of, and processes associated with:
identifying evaluation objectives
identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles
develop a program profile
creating evaluation questions and indicators
common data collection methods
creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods
collecting data, including performance monitoring
data management
assessing data quality
data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis
determining evaluation scale and budget
project management
synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations
evaluation reporting and dissemination
Participants will also gain elementary experience in:

• creating logic models
• developing indicators
• question construction
• creating an evaluation matrix
• writing findings statements
• creating a reporting plan
About the Facilitator
Paul Favaro Ph.D., CE is the Chief of Research, Program Evaluation, and Accountability for the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, Ontario. He teaches management sciences at York University in Toronto.
Dr. Favaro has authored or co-authored articles, chapters, and technical reports, and has conducted professional training workshops in the areas of program evaluation, performance measurement, and research methodology. He is on the editorial board of The Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation. Throughout his career, he has worked as a research consultant to a wide variety of government ministries, educational organizations, charitable foundations, and community-based programs. He has held several executive positions on the board of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). In 2010, he was awarded a fellowship in the CES. He is a Credentialed Evaluator by the Canadian Evaluation Society
