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Multi-site Action Research
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| Presenter(s):
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| Thomas Fuller-Rowell,
Cornell University,
tf42@cornell.edu
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| Abstract:
Classical action research within single organizations has become a well established and differentiated approach since its inception more than six decades ago. Although new larger scale varieties of action research are beginning to develop there is still a clear need to expand the scope of action research practice (Greenwood, 2002). This paper presents multi-site action research (MAR) as a new variant of action research implementation with promising potential to fill the gap between the classical and coalition type varieties of action research. MAR is defined as involving the concurrent implementation of multiple distinct single-site action research processes, with a similar focus, and some level of coordination across sites. From a review of three relevant multi-site initiatives, a conceptual framework for the potential benefits of MAR is derived. The framework defines, conceptually, how MAR can improve action research implementation on the site-level and expand the overall effectiveness of an initiative. The paper also describes how MAR can build toward the implementation of more effective coalitions, and diagrams the sequence of the MAR implementation process.
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Multi-level Evaluation Alignment: A Systematic Approach to the Evaluation of the Child Care Quality Improvement System
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| Presenter(s):
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| Xuejin Lu,
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County,
kim.lu@cscpbc.org
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| Karen Brandi,
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County,
karen.brandi@cscpbc.org
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| Lance Till,
Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County,
lance.till@cscpbc.org
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| Abstract:
This presentation will demonstrate how to adopt a systematic evaluation approach (Multilevel Evaluation Alignment Model) to an evaluation for a child care Quality Improvement System (QIS) in Palm Beach County. We will describe the goals and key strategies of the QIS and highlight the need for this kind of alignment model in the QIS evaluation. We will also outline our four-step approach, using the Multilevel Evaluation Alignment Model and how it assisted in the development of a system-wide logic model and key evaluation questions. Discussion will include the benefits of applying this model to the QIS evaluation, as well as the learning thus far.
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Finding the Threads Across Different Organizations: Different Community Service Activities: Identifying Common Measures
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| Presenter(s):
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| Kenneth Terao,
JBS International Inc,
kterao@jbsinternational.com
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| Anna Marie Schmidt,
JBS International Inc,
aschmidt@jbsinternational.com
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| Abstract:
National and state funded volunteer programs have grown throughout the country during the last ten years. Community organizations, local governmental departments, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions use government and private funds to provide a broad spectrum of services from educational support to environmental conservation to housing and health assistance. Traditionally, each local project evaluates its success using an internal evaluation that focuses on the unique indicators and outcomes that demonstrate their accomplishments and results.
State and federal funders want to understand the aggregate effect of their investments across programs. Initially, conducting a meta analysis of individual program impacts was the accepted practice, however, as funding becomes tighter and accountability for results increases, grant makers are looking for an approach which increases the ability to extract broad statewide evaluation conclusions. This presentation will describe how state departments can approach state-wide evaluation, measuring performance across a variety of community-based service activities.
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