New ATD Book Updates Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Training Evaluation

Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation updates the original Kirkpatrick four levels of training evaluation model, an industry staple since 1954. The book is written by James D. Kirkpatrick and Wendy Kayser Kirkpatrick and published by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). 

Don Kirkpatrick, past president of ATD, developed the four levels of training evaluation—reaction, learning, behavior, and results—to offer a precise method to evaluate the results of training and development efforts. Countless organizations have used the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation to make the business case for training and development. In this book, the Kirkpatrick team delves into the New World Kirkpatrick Model to build on and modernize the four levels to maximize their relevance and effectiveness in today’s business world. 

Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation guides trainers through proper applications of the Kirkpatrick model in today’s work environment and dispels myths that have entered mainstream practice. The focus for trainers to become relevant business partners is particularly sharp. The publication delves into modern-day business reasons for evaluating training, shows how to develop an effective evaluation strategy, and gets to the core of the foundational principles of the model itself. 

Don Kirkpatrick died while the book was still in development. Before he passed, he commented, “Jim and Wendy, my oldest son and daughter-in-law, have taken the model to depths I never dreamed of, calling it the New World Kirkpatrick Model. I am pleased that my original book, Evaluating Training Programs, first published in 1993, is being replaced by an updated work.”

Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation is available to librarians, career centers, and other reviewers on NetGalley through October 31, 2016. Professors are invited to request a desk copy from the publisher at www.td.org/DeskCopy. 

Visit www.td.org/FourLevels to read a sample chapter. 

About the Authors

Dr. Jim Kirkpatrick is a thought leader and change driver in training evaluation and the creator of the New World Kirkpatrick Model. Using his 15 years of experience in the corporate world, he trains and consults for corporate, government, military, and humanitarian organizations around the world. 

Wendy Kirkpatrick is a global driving force of the use and implementation of the Kirkpatrick Model, leading companies to measurable success through training and evaluation. She is a recipient of the 2013 Emerging Training Leaders Award from Training magazine. 

Together Jim and Wendy are co-owners of Kirkpatrick Partners.

About ATD

The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is the world’s largest professional membership organization supporting those who develop the knowledge and skills of employees, improve performance, and help to achieve results for the organizations they serve. Established in 1943, the association was previously known as the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD).

ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports talent development professionals who gather locally in volunteer-led U.S. chapters and international member networks, and with international strategic partners. For more information, visit www.td.org.