Explain the term "benchmarking" in evaluation.

Benchmarking in evaluation refers to the process of comparing a program's performance against best practices in the field or industry standards. This practice allows organizations to identify areas where they can improve by analyzing how their outcomes stack up against those of leading programs. By understanding the benchmarks set by high-performing programs, evaluators can pinpoint specific strengths and weaknesses, enabling informed decisions regarding enhancements and goal setting.

This approach not only highlights effective strategies that others have implemented successfully but also provides context for an organization's performance. It helps in establishing realistic, achievable goals based on proven practices rather than isolated or arbitrary standards. Through benchmarking, programs can adopt strategies that have demonstrated success elsewhere, thus driving improvements aligned with industry standards.