Step 4: Periodically monitor all aspects of data collection (P), (R).

(P) = plan example (R) = report example

Once tasks have been identified, timelines established, and task leaders assigned, periodic monitoring of data collection activities is essential to ensure the timely completion of all tasks. This oversight can be accomplished with regular meetings of the project team, with the schedule of activities as the framework for discussion. Each data-collecting individual team can be expected to provide a status report on their work. The meetings can help to anticipate problems and deal with them before they escalate. The meetings can also be used to brainstorm difficult situations and provide solutions. In sum, oversight ensures that all components of data collection come together in an effective and coherent manner and thus ensures a successful phase of the evaluation project. The meetings provide transparency and accountability for the process.