External Evaluation with Xcalibur

Evaluation is more than compliance; it is a collaborative process that drives improvement, builds capacity, and demonstrates impact.

With decades of experience supporting college access initiatives, we design evaluations that empower educators and leaders to make data-informed decisions and tell compelling stories of student success.

Our Partners Say…

  • I appreciate the effort by [Xcalibur] in moving [our program] in the right direction and guiding our evaluation process as it evolves. We have come a long way-from almost 5 years ago when many of us were trying to absorb evaluation terminology, concepts, and design.

    -College Access Program Leadership

  • I appreciate the time [Xcalibur] takes in preparing engaging materials, relevant exercises, and your continued positive and professional natures. The team left feeling empowered and ready for the new year.

    -College Access Staff

  • The Xcalibur team did an excellent job on presenting the data and making “us” think about outcomes.

    -College Access Program Staff

Xcalibur’s Approach to Evaluation

Participatory Evaluation and Data Analysis

We believe evaluation works best when stakeholders are engaged throughout the process. To foster ownership of evaluation and findings, we invite partners to interpret results and shape next steps. This collaborative framework ensures evaluations are not only accurate but also practical and meaningful to the communities we serve.

Capacity Building in Evaluative Thinking

We equip school and program teams with the tools and skills to use data effectively. Through retreats, workshops, and hands-on coaching, we cultivate evaluative thinking and data literacy. Our goal is to strengthen organizations’ ability to reflect, adapt, and sustain continuous improvement long after an evaluation report is delivered.

Mixed Methods

Our evaluations blend the rigor of quantitative analysis with the richness of qualitative insights. Using surveys, focus groups, statistical modeling, and thematic analysis, we triangulate findings to provide a comprehensive picture of program impact. This balanced approach captures not only the numbers but also the lived experiences of students, families, and educators.

Examples of Our Work