This five-day, intensive executive training program on the evaluation of social programs provides a thorough understanding of randomized impact evaluations, and a pragmatic, step-by-step training in conducting evaluations. The courses are led by faculty affiliated with J-PAL. They are intended for development practitioners from international organizations, managers in non-governmental organizations, government officials, academics and researchers interested in learning how to measure scientifically the impact of development programs. While the course focuses on randomized evaluations, many of the topics, such as measuring outcomes and dealing with threats to the validity of an evaluation, are relevant for other methodologies.

The course is held annually in late May/ early June in Cambridge and Paris and in July in Chennai. Occasionally, the course is offered in other locations. Applications for the course are posted in February.

Intended Audience
The program is designed for people from a variety of backgrounds: managers and researchers from international development organizations, managers in non-governmental organizations from around the world, as well as trained economists looking to retool.

Course Coverage
Specifically, the following key questions and concepts will be covered:

• Why and when is a rigorous evaluation of social impact needed?
• What are the common pitfalls of evaluations, and why does randomization help?
• What are the key components of a good randomized evaluation design?
• Alternative techniques for incorporating randomization into project design
• How do you determine the appropriate sample size, measure outcomes, and manage data?
• How to guard against threats that may undermine the integrity of the results
• Techniques for the analysis and interpretation of results
• How to maximize policy impact and test external validity

Teaching Methods
We will present material through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, and relevant exercises. Participants will have group time to discuss cases with one another prior to lectures, as well as work jointly through a set of preparatory exercises designed to focus attention on key points. Additionally, participants will form 4-5 person groups which will work through the design process for a randomized evaluation of a development project. Groups will be aided in this project by both the faculty and teaching assistants with the work culminating in presentations at the end of the week.

By examining both successful and problematic evaluations, participants will better understand the significance of various specific details of randomized evaluations. Furthermore, the program will offer extensive opportunities to apply these ideas, ensuring that participants will leave with the knowledge, experience, and confidence necessary to conduct their own randomized evaluations.

Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition includes working breakfasts, lunches, and all program materials). Participants are responsible for travel-related expenses (including airfare and lodging).

There are a limited number of scholarships available for each location.

Course Schedule for 2009
The planning for 2009 is currently under way. Please check back often or join our mailing list by emailing povertyactionlab@mit.edu to be notified when the schedule is posted.