Democracy and Governance
Peter Dahler-Larsen, PhD, dr scient pol
Professor
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Peter Dahler-Larsen, PhD, dr scient pol
Professor
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Location: White River Ballroom G
Abstract Information: One of the most dominant trends in the field of evaluation in recent years is the institutionalization of evaluation under headlines such as “evaluation culture” and “evaluation systems.” There has been less interest in how evaluation systems can be changed, modified, or improved, or deinstitutionalized, if necessary.
Can a variety of stakeholders deliberate about the consequences of an evaluation system, and can such deliberation lead to policy change? This expert lecture looks at national tests in Denmark as an evaluation system which has been subject to intense criticism over the years. An evaluation of the test system was carried out, and a deliberative advisory group with a broad set of stakeholders were asked to provide policy recommendations for a new system. This took place in a contested policy space. This expert lecture tells the story from the perspective of the chairperson of the advisory group. It is a story about how the deliberative process was designed, how the dominance of experts was curbed, and how the distinction between technical-evaluative and practical-political was overcome. Policy change followed. On this basis, the prospects for democratic deliberation about evaluation systems is discussed.
Relevance Statement: As evaluation is becoming institutionalized, pros and cons of evaluation systems become more manifest. This is of concern to various stakeholders as well as to evaluators. This expert lecture is particular targeted to evaluators who are concerned about side effects of evaluation systems.
Because of institutionalization, evaluation systems may be difficult to change. Democratic governance of evaluation systems is not easy. The system has many functions, issues are complex, experts dominate, and different stakeholders have different interests in preservation of the system.
National tests were introduced after OECD recommended "evaluation culture" in Danish schools. Tests take place in a contested policy space. This expert lecture shows that in spite of difficulties and challenges, deliberation among stakeholders can in fact lead to policy change. The purpose is to inspire democratic deliberation about evaluation systems more broadly and to talk about specific ways in which it can be done.
The underlying material for this lecture is reported in an peer-reviewed article accepted for publication in "Evaluation." https://doi.org/10.1177/13563890231156955