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Structures and Impacts on Program Evaluation: Applying a Peace Builders Model
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| Presenter(s):
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| Didi Fahey,
The Ohio State University,
fahey.13@osu.edu
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| Abstract:
To avoid the development of culturally biased program evaluation, it may be necessary to employ a strategy developed by peace psychologists. Originally designed to examine how social and political structures simultaneously hold direct and indirect impacts upon certain individuals within the society, this perspective of peace-building can apply for program development and evaluation.
This paper looks at how programs and program choices may benefit some while visit violences upon others. Taking the example of university outreach programs in local school districts, the peace-builders approach demonstrates how program evaluation can be designed to at least acknowledge, if not accommodate the various social and organizational structures affecting program implementation for all three levels of program service and development.
Individuals who engage in programming need to remain sensitive to how indirect structures and impacts can affect the overall program, and how that program is perceived and valued.
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Developing and Testing a Developmental Model to Promote the Civic Engagement of Youth
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| Presenter(s):
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| Joyce Serido,
University of Arizona,
jserido@email.arizona.edu
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| Lynne Borden,
University of Arizona,
bordenl@ag.arizona.edu
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| Abstract:
Despite the need for actively involved citizenry to ensure that communities are both stable and healthy, current research suggests that there is decreasing civic engagement among today's youth (Ginwright & James, 2002; Mahoney, Larson, Eccles, & Lord, 2005; Sherrod, Flanagan, & Youniss, 2002). Some studies have found that youth who participate in both school-based and community-based programs during high school remain more civically engaged than their contemporaries throughout adulthood (Verba, Scholzman, & Brady, 1995; Youniss, McClellan, & Yates, 1997). However, these studies are not based on a developmental model outlining the processes through which program participation promotes civic responsibility. In the first part of this presentation we describe a three-phased process model of development derived from a qualitative study of an existing community program. We then present the results of empirically testing the model using data from an online evaluation study of rural youth from 29 states.
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The Resiliency Model for Organizations: Using Organizational Theory to Inform Evaluation Practices
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| Presenter(s):
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| Taj Carson,
Carson Research Consulting Inc,
taj@carsonresearch.com
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| Laurie Reuben,
Cheshire Consulting Group,
laurie@cheshiregroup.net
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| Abstract:
In this session, the presenters will explore the concept of organizational resiliency. They will describe their framework for looking at factors that identify opportunities to build organizational resiliency. The importance of a constant flow of the right information, thoughtful strategies, the development of key qualities and the indicators of resiliency will be discussed, as well as the elements of a resilient organization and the evidence to support the inclusion of those elements in the framework. Evidence for this organizational model comes from secondary analysis of research conducted with organizations and from the field of organization development. This framework can provide evaluators with a way to think about the organizations in which they work and to identify strengths and weaknesses of the organization.
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Logic Model Ownership: Implications for Logic Model Utilization and Program Effectiveness
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| Presenter(s):
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| Dustin Duncan,
Harvard University,
dduncan@hsph.harvard.edu
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| Abstract:
Much has been written about the myriad benefits of utilizing logic models, including in facilitating program development/evaluation and in increasing program effectiveness. Less is known about logic model ownership (who physically possesses the logic model; factors that may be make one feel that they should possess the logic model; and who takes credit for the logic model) and how that relates to logic model utilization and program effectiveness. However, logic model ownership may be potentially implicated in these outcomes. The author hypothesizes that logic model ownership is positively associated with logic model utilization. Further, it may be possible that when staff and stakeholders do not “own” the logic model, the program may have limited effectiveness. These hypotheses are discussed in the context of the current evaluation literature.
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The Importance of Developing Faith Based Program Theory
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| Presenter(s):
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| Ayana Perkins,
Georgia State University,
ayanaperkins@msn.com
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| Abstract:
The power of faith-based institutions is their ability to reach congregants and non congregants in their surrounding community. Public health administrators are well aware of the importance of faith based institutions in human service work. This support for faith-based human service work is further reflected in increased funding for these organizations. Funding requirements often require evaluation to ensure accountability in meeting the needs of target audience assess the process and evaluation of their work. However, the lack of a rigorous evaluation may leave many community stakeholders suspicious and distrustful of federally funded faith-based initiatives. Relying on minimal evaluation methods may serve the needs of the funder but could ultimately lead to loss of confidence in faith-based human service work. In this presentation, the author uses a qualitative systematic review to identify key elements missing in faith-based evaluations and to explicate the importance of developing evaluation theory for faith-based programs.
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