Evaluation 2009 Banner

Return to search form  

Contact emails are provided for one-to-one contact only and may not be used for mass emailing or group solicitations.

Session Title: Evaluating Changes in Knowledge, Identity and Behavior: New Approaches
Multipaper Session 729 to be held in Suwannee 19 on Saturday, Nov 14, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Sponsored by the Human Services Evaluation TIG
Chair(s):
Todd Franke,  University of California Los Angeles, tfranke@ucla.edu
Discussant(s):
James Sass,  Independent Consultant, jimsass@earthlink.net
Identification of Child Maltreatment: Public Child Welfare Worker Training Evaluation Outcomes
Presenter(s):
Chris Lee, University of California Berkeley, clee07@berkeley.edu
Maria Hernandez, University of California Berkeley, hernandezm@berkeley.edu
Abstract: To increase the knowledge base of public child welfare workforce training evaluation, this paper presents findings from a cross-sectional data analysis of training participant characteristics and successful achievement on an embedded evaluation assessing skills in the identification of child maltreatment. Trainees first underwent training on child maltreatment identification, divided into two parts: one on identifying neglect, physical abuse and emotional abuse (CMI-1), and the other on the identification of sexual abuse and exploitation (CMI-2). Through the use of logistic regression we explored the relationship between public child welfare trainee characteristics and skill acquisition, defined by a binary dependent variable of passing/not passing the evaluation. Our findings suggest a relationship between certain trainee background characteristics and skill acquisition for this evaluation of child maltreatment identification.
Measuring Identity Change in Evaluation Using Identity Exploration (IDEX) Instruments
Presenter(s):
Elaine Hogard, University of Chester, ehogard@me.com
Abstract: Many social programs aim to change not just behaviour but deeper attitudes and views of self. For example a smoking cessation proigramme aims not only to reduce smoking behaviour but to bring about a change in how recipients view themselves and what kind of identity they aspire to have. This brings into play the important but elusive concepts of self and identity. This paper explores the extent to which identity and identity change has been measured in reported program evaluations and introduces a novel theoretical formulation and measuring tool known as Identity Structure Analysis and IDEX. ISA is a synthetic theory drawing on a number of key theorists. IDEX is a framwework tool which can be tailored for use in particular situations and hence program evaluations.The tool is based on constructs and entities relevant to the area of study coupled with anchor elements related to identity in its societal and temporal context. The devising and use of the tool is described together with several case studies of its use in program evalautions.
Evaluation of National Community Coalition Initiative
Presenter(s):
Ayana Perkins, Georgia State University, aperkins@ikataninc.com
Kimberly Leonard, The MayaTech Corporation, kjleonard@mayatech.com
Wilma Wooten, National Medical Association, wjwooten@cox.net
Roslyn Douglas, National Medical Association, rdouglas@nmanet.org
Abstract: Multi-methods are needed to provide a comprehensive assessment of programs that promote prevention and proper management of diabetes among African Americans. A goal based evaluation conducted by the National Medical Association for its National Diabetes Education Program. The original evaluation model was broadened after initial assessment to add more qualitative methods to conduct cross site comparisons and process-oriented data. Data collection involved face-to-face interviews, site visits, telephone interviews, document reviews, and online surveys. The qualitative findings indicated that coalitions successfully adopted their prevention approach to the regional culture. Each coalition achieved at least one indicator of strength that could benefit other coalitions in the cohort. In addition, qualitative findings from site visits and interviews indicated that the transition from demonstration phase to active phase should involve the use of alternative health models that are more efficacious in promoting disease awareness and the integration of technical assistance based upon the successes documented by the six coalitions.
Exploring Community Volunteerism: Evaluating the Literacy AmeriCorps Program
Presenter(s):
Keith Trahan, University of Pittsburgh, kwt2@pitt.edu
Yuanyuan Wang, University of Pittsburgh, yywang.crystal@gmail.com
Abstract: The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC) is a respected organization that serves as a nation-wide pioneer in adult education and family literacy programs. In this paper, we examine one of its programs, Literacy AmeriCorps, with an emphasis on program capacity-building through AmeriCorps volunteer contributions and program impact on volunteers' perceptions of community services. Through our evaluation survey of volunteers and agencies located in six different metropolitan areas around the US, we explore the impact of residence in the appointed service community on volunteers' willingness to continue working in community service and the impact of volunteers on program service capacity. In general, the intriguing aspect of our study lies in its focus on investigating the reciprocal relationships between Literacy AmeriCorps agencies and their volunteers. More importantly, our evaluation findings provide other community service agencies with characteristics and structures that may increase program capacity and success.

 Return to Evaluation 2009

Add to Custom Program