Where Do We Go from Here?: Credible and Actionable Evidence in Extension

Abstract

The evolution of evaluation in the Cooperative Extension System (Extension) has gone through many changes over the years, from focusing on participation, to the measurement of outcomes, and then impacts. Now, the new evolution in Extension is the use of credible and actionable evidence. This special edition of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension (JHSE) explored the theme, “What is credible and actionable evidence in Extension programs?” The authors of the articles in this issue wrote about the important concepts ahead of us as we begin on the road to more credible and actionable evidence. This article provides some closing thoughts on this special issue and sets forth challenges as we move forward.