December 6, 2023 by coloradolab

Evidence Portfolio Process for Budget & Policy Decisions

A newly created evidence portfolio process supports the consistent application of Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) by state agencies during budget and policy decision-making. State agencies can use this tool to apply evidence to drive outcomes, leverage data to inform learning and action, and build evidence on what works and for whom, while promoting innovation. As described […]

06 December 2023
October 24, 2023 by coloradolab

What it Takes to Activate Evidence-Based Decision-Making

With a clear, shared understanding of what Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) is (see previous blog post), the next step in creating an EBDM culture is for decision-makers, agency leadership, and staff to commit to routinely using the EBDM approach, consistent with each of their roles. What is Evidence-Based Decision-Making? EBDM is the intersection of the best […]

24 October 2023
October 9, 2023 by coloradolab

New! Evidence-Based Decision-Making Glossary

The Colorado Lab has developed a new Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) Glossary of Terms to support decision-makers, agency leadership, and staff in gaining a common understanding of EBDM in policymaking. EBDM is recognized as an important means to align roles and responsibilities across branches of government and drive smart state investments and meaningful outcomes. This tool […]

09 October 2023
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September 29, 2023 by coloradolab

Understanding and Creating an EBDM Culture

Colorado’s five-year vision for Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) in policymaking was created collaboratively by members of the executive and legislative branches, non-governmental partners, and the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab (Colorado Lab). EBDM is recognized as an important means to drive smart state investments, continuous quality improvement, innovation, and meaningful outcomes. “Realizing this vision depends on […]

29 September 2023
September 25, 2023 by coloradolab

Webinar: Exploring Opportunities for Evaluators and Implementation Practitioners To Work Together To Create Sustainable and Equitable Change

On September 19, the Colorado Lab’s Kristin Klopfenstein and Lauren Gase, along with Allison Metz from UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work and Just Learning Systems’ Kirsten Kainz, presented the webinar “Exploring Opportunities for Evaluators and Implementation Practitioners To Work Together To Create Sustainable and Equitable Change.” Targeting implementation and evaluation practitioners, the goal […]

25 September 2023
August 22, 2023 by coloradolab

Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Policymaking: A 5-Year Vision for Colorado

Colorado is a recognized leader nationally in evidence-based policymaking. Consistent use of data and research is increasingly understood to be key to achieving policies that are equitable, efficient, and effective. The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab received philanthropic support to facilitate the development of a commonly accepted vision for Colorado’s approach to evidence-based decision-making (EBDM). […]

22 August 2023
June 5, 2023 by coloradolab

Essential Elements: Sustain Change

Throughout this past year, in recognition of the Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab’s 5th anniversary, we have lifted up elements of our work essential to achieving our mission—using data to inform solutions to critical social problems. We have seen that when the essential elements shown in our graphic are implemented—from building relationships with our government […]

05 June 2023
April 25, 2023 by coloradolab

Essential Elements: Activate Findings

The goal of every Colorado Lab project is meaningful, timely action; we generate research evidence to inform practice and policy decisions. One of the most important elements to activating research findings is taking care to create, nurture, and maintain trusting relationships with and among partners (our first essential element). Throughout each project, we learn together […]

25 April 2023
March 28, 2023 by coloradolab

Essential Elements: Apply Rigor

At the Colorado Lab, we use data to support learning and sustained action among our partners. We view “rigor” as one part of what helps a study meet that goal, striving to do work that is simultaneously rigorous, relevant, and resonant. While the term “rigor” is widely used in research and evaluation, it is rarely […]

28 March 2023
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February 22, 2023 by coloradolab

Fostering Opportunities Now a Proven Practice

Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Governor Polis signs the Foster Youth Success Act. Left to right: Elysia Clemens, Deputy Director/COO, Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab; Minna Castillo Cohen, Director, Office of Children, Youth and Families, Colorado Department of Human Services; Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Chair, House Public Health Care and Human Services […]

22 February 2023