Formative evaluation is used to:

• A. Assess overall success after completion
• B. Make ongoing improvements during the program
• C. Determine staffing needs
• D. Finalize the budget

Answer: (B)

Formative evaluation is about improving a program as it is being developed and implemented. It focuses on gathering feedback during the rollout—looking at how the program is working, how it’s delivered, participant satisfaction, and reach—and using that information to make iterative changes. This ongoing feedback loop helps refine materials, methods, timing, and resources so the program can be adjusted before final outcomes are judged. That’s why the best choice describes making ongoing improvements during the program.

The other ideas are more about judging success after the fact or planning resources, which align with summative evaluation or administrative planning rather than the core purpose of formative evaluation.