This study could not have occurred without the on-going commitment of evaluation team members as well as the commitment of the administrators of the participating agencies. Engaging a facilitator who can act as coach, teacher, consultant can also pose a challenge. One of the most significant tasks the facilitator faces is letting go and allowing the wisdom of the group to emerge and drive the process. In some cases, individuals from within the organizations may take on that role. In other cases it may be more advantageous to bring in a facilitator solely for this purpose.
Participatory evaluation can be productive and growth producing.
It is particularly useful for programs that espouse values of collaboration and participation as well as for programs that genuinely seek to hear the voices of stakeholders. Participatory evaluation is not without risk. If programs open themselves to reflection and critique, they risk the possibility of transformation. Through participatory inquiry a variety of voices can be heard. Many of these voices, in particular the voices of parents and service providers, are not traditionally heard in program evaluation, particularly evaluations of special education programs.