Professional development (PD) is a set of skill-building processes and activities consciously designed to assist targeted groups in mastering specifc learning objectives. PD is a key strategy for promoting healthy environments in education and community settings and can be delivered in many forms such as trainings, workshops, technical assistance, and/or online or distance learning courses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all CDC PD activities include six practices—sustain, design, promote, deliver, follow up, and evaluate—for optimal implementation (see Exhibit 1). This guide supports the sixth PD practice—evaluation—by providing step-by-step guidance on how to evaluate PD activities and events. ICF developed this guide in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Division of Population Health (DPH), School Health Branch. Suggested citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Guide to Evaluating Professional Development. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept. of Health and Human Services; 2019. 19452_CDC_Guide_Eval_ProDev_508.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection