The OPRE Methods Meeting platform is an independent, research-oriented educational resource designed to promote understanding of advanced evaluation methods, policy research tools, and applied social science.
While this domain was previously affiliated with the U.S. Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), it is now privately operated and serves as a public academic and methodological knowledge base.
Our mission is to provide accessible, structured, and transparent information about evaluation techniques used in social policy, human services, and program improvement — supporting professionals in research, government, academia, and nonprofit sectors.
Platform Overview (Independent & Informational Resource)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Site Name | OPRE Methods Meeting |
| Previous Association | U.S. Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (ACF/HHS) |
| Current Status | Privately owned and independently managed |
| Platform Focus | Evaluation methods, social science research, evidence-building |
| Intended Audience | Researchers, federal contractors, policymakers, students, program evaluators |
| Site Nature | Informational, educational, non-affiliated |
Our Mission
At OPRE Methods Meeting, we aim to:
- Expand access to rigorous, practical, and emerging methods in program evaluation
- Provide summaries of research designs and analytical frameworks
- Bridge the gap between evidence generation and policy implementation
- Share learnings from federally funded evaluations and large-scale pilot studies
- Support academic and practitioner communities committed to public good and impact-driven research
Background: What Are the OPRE Methods Meetings?
The original OPRE Methods Meetings were annual convenings hosted by the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
These meetings brought together leading methodologists, government researchers, and social scientists to:
- Discuss cutting-edge methods in evaluation science
- Improve measurement of complex social programs
- Strengthen research-practice partnerships
- Advance equitable and ethical approaches in data collection and use
- Promote continuous improvement in public services
While this website is not affiliated with ACF or OPRE, it serves to promote open access to knowledge and insights in a similar spirit.
Key Topics Covered on This Platform
We curate and develop content related to:
Evaluation and Research Methodologies
- Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs
- Rapid-Cycle Evaluation and Adaptive Learning Approaches
- Mixed-Methods Evaluation in Community Settings
- Statistical Modeling and Predictive Analytics in Social Science
- Implementation Research and Systems Thinking
- Equity-Centered Evaluation and Culturally Responsive Methods
Policy & Program Focus Areas
- Early Childhood Education and Family Support Services
- Economic Mobility and Employment Initiatives
- Child Welfare and Foster Care Program Evaluation
- Health Equity and Medicaid Waiver Evaluations
- Youth Development and Behavioral Health Programs
- Human Services Data Infrastructure and Governance
Who We Serve
| Stakeholder Group | How This Platform Supports Them |
|---|---|
| Government Agencies | Method summaries for evidence-based decision making |
| Research Contractors | Evaluation frameworks and policy context |
| Students & Academics | Resource guides, literature reviews, and case studies |
| Nonprofit Leaders | Tools for performance monitoring and impact measurement |
| Evaluation Consultants | Examples of study designs, ethics protocols, and field adaptations |
Coming Soon: Knowledge Series and Resources
We’re working on thematic series to make the content practical and searchable:
- Foundations of Evaluation – Introductory articles on RCTs, QEDs, and logic models
- Data & Measurement – Validity, reliability, and equity in survey and administrative data
- Emerging Methods – AI in evaluation, use of big data, and natural experiments
- Ethics in Research – Consent, representation, bias reduction, and IRB essentials
- Case Studies Archive – Real-world applications of evaluation methods across sectors
Editorial Philosophy
We follow a transparent, research-informed editorial process that includes:
- Use of peer-reviewed publications and federal evidence repositories
- Neutral presentation of methodological debates and interpretations
- Citation of credible sources, white papers, and government evaluations
- Clear separation between editorial commentary and research summaries
We do not promote commercial services or consulting agencies, nor do we offer legal or regulatory guidance.
Legal Disclaimer
OPRE Methods Meeting (opremethodsmeeting.org) is a privately owned and independently maintained educational platform.
It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), or the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE).
The content is intended for general awareness, educational use, and non-commercial dissemination. For official reports, funding opportunities, or regulatory guidance, please visit: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre
Contact Us
We invite collaboration with academics, independent researchers, graduate students, and evaluation practitioners. If you’d like to contribute a summary, share a resource, or request a topic:
Email: contact@opremethodsmeeting.org
Visit our Contact Us page for full guidelines
