Short Course
Introduction to Systems Change Evaluation
$39.99
Get started on your systems change evaluation journey with clear, practical knowledge you can apply to your work immediately!
Self-Paced
1-2 Hours
Video Lessons
Interactive Activities
This course earns you a certificate of completion from SPS. What you earn.
About the Course
Are you looking to understand how to evaluate the impact of your systems change efforts but finding yourself caught between lengthy e-learning courses and scattered online resources? Our focused 1-2 hour short course offers a practical introduction to evaluating systems change, designed specifically for busy people who need clear, actionable knowledge.
Course Outline
This introductory course breaks down the complexities of systems change evaluation into digestible modules, featuring:
Animated video lessons that clearly illustrate complex concepts
Interactive exercises that reinforce learning
Real-world examples and scenarios
Knowledge check quizzes to validate understanding
Curated resources for continued learning
"This course fills the space between time-intensive e-learning programs and scattered online resources, making systems change evaluation accessible and actionable for community-based practitioners."
Who This Course is For
Anyone who does evaluation or program planning work
Community organization staff
Program managers and coordinators
Professional evaluators or researchers seeking to expand their skills
Students in undergraduate or graduate college programs
Why This Format Works
We've designed this short course to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Rather than overwhelming you with extensive readings or providing a list of resources to read on your own, we've created an engaging learning experience that:
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Respects your time with focused, efficient content delivery
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Builds practical understanding through interactive elements
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Provides clear examples of concepts in action
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Offers a structured path to understanding complex topics
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Includes a curated list of written resources you can use to further your learning
What You'll Learn
Master the fundamentals of systems change evaluation through carefully structured content:
Distinguish systems change evaluation from traditional program evaluation
Understand key approaches for evaluating complex interventions
Learn practical measurement strategies for:
Collaborative functioning
Mental models and transformative change
Relational change and power dynamics
Structural change (policies, practices, resource flows)
Discover effective ways to report your findings
Course Features
Accessible through any internet browser
Closed captions available for all video content
Certificate upon completion
Ongoing access to course materials
Curated additional resources for deeper learning
Course Outline
Section 1 | Introduction to Systems Change Evaluation |
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Section 2 | Why is Systems Change so Popular Now? |
Section 3 | Evaluation Approaches to Systems Change |
Section 4 | What to Measure in Systems Change Evaluation |
Section 5 | How to Report on Systems Change |
Section 6 | Conclusion |
What You'll Earn
Our Difference: Why Learn with SPS?
At Strategic Prevention Solutions, we've spent over 15 years translating complex evaluation concepts into practical, actionable approaches for communities. This short course emerges directly from our experience working alongside nonprofits, community coalitions, tribal organizations, and state agencies to evaluate real systems change initiatives.
We designed this course to fill a critical gap between theoretical frameworks and on-the-ground application. While many resources explain what systems change is, we focus on how to actually evaluate it in your community context. Our approach comes from having done this work ourselves - from assessing collaborative functioning in Alaska Native communities to evaluating statewide prevention initiatives.
Community-Centered Expertise: Our team brings both academic rigor and deep community experience.
At SPS, we are:
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Published researchers and evaluation experts who prioritize making complex concepts accessible
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Practitioners who have implemented systems change evaluation across diverse contexts
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Facilitators who understand the importance of building evaluation capacity that fits local needs
We believe evaluation should enhance, not burden, your work. This course reflects our commitment to making evaluation methodology accessible and meaningful for those doing the critical work of community transformation.
Patricia Reyes, M.P.H.
Senior Research Associate, Strategic Prevention Solutions
Pat brings over thirty years of experience evaluating risk reduction and asset building efforts. She specializes in evaluating access to health and mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, violence prevention, school readiness, youth development, and initiatives focused on equity, systems change and community engagement. Her approach emphasizes utilization-focused and participatory evaluation methods.
About the Author
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of evaluation experience do I need?
No prior evaluation experience is required. The course is designed as an introduction to systems change evaluation concepts and is accessible to both beginners and experienced evaluators looking to expand their knowledge.
How long will it take to complete the course?
The course typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. You can progress at your own pace and revisit sections as needed.
Can I take breaks and complete the course on my own schedule?
Yes! The course is entirely self-paced with no scheduled times or deadlines. You'll have one full year of access from your signup date, during which you can:
Start the course whenever you're ready
Take breaks as needed between sections
Return to the content at your convenience
Complete it in one sitting or spread it out over several sessions Your progress is automatically saved, so you can easily pick up where you left off anytime during your access period.
How is this different from traditional program evaluation courses?
This course specifically focuses on evaluating complex systemic interventions rather than individual programs. You'll learn to consider interconnected factors and relationships within systems, which requires different approaches than traditional program evaluation.
What's the format of the course materials?
The course includes a mix of:
Animated video lessons
Interactive activities and reflection exercises
Knowledge check quizzes
Real-world examples and scenarios
Links to additional resources
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successfully completing all course modules you'll earn a professional certificate in Systems Change Evaluation Fundamentals. This certificate demonstrates your commitment to understanding modern evaluation approaches and can be added to your professional portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or CV. It recognizes your foundational knowledge in this emerging and important field of evaluation practice.
Do I need any special technology?
No, special technology is not required. You can access the course through any standard internet browser.
Which platform hosts this course?
This course is hosted on TalentLMS, a user-friendly learning management system that's easy to navigate. Once you purchase the course, you'll receive login credentials for the TalentLMS platform where you can access all course materials, track your progress, and download your certificate upon completion of the course.
How long will I have access to the course materials?
You'll have access to all course materials through the TalentLMS platform for one year from the date you sign up. During this time, you can review and reference the content as often as you'd like.
Are there opportunities for additional learning?
Yes, throughout the course you'll find curated links to additional resources for deeper exploration of specific topics that interest you.
Is the course accessible?
What will I be able to do after completing this course?
After completing the course, you'll be able to:
Understand the fundamentals of systems change evaluation
Distinguish between systems change and traditional program evaluation approaches
Apply basic evaluation tools and frameworks to systems change work
Identify appropriate measurement strategies for different aspects of systems change
Select suitable reporting methods for systems change evaluation
Maria G.C.
“As someone with no background in systems change evaluation and minimal experience in program evaluation, I found this course to be straightforward, engaging, and accessible. It was easy to navigate and took only an hour of my time. I’ll definitely remember these concepts in my work moving forward!”