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Implementation, Systems Change, and Customer Outcomes: Using Mixed-Methods and Random Assignment to Understand the Disability Employment Initiative
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| Presenter(s):
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| Anne Chamberlain, Social Dynamics LLC, achamberlain@socialdynamicsllc.com
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| Douglas Klayman, Social Dynamics LLC, dklayman@socialdynamicsllc.com
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| Teserach Ketema, United States Department of Labor, ketema.teserach@dol.gov
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| Richard Horne, United States Department of Labor, horne.richard@dol.gov
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| Abstract:
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy to effect system change in nine states. The goal of that system change is to improve access to educational, training, and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The DEI Evaluation involves random assignment of Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIAs) to pilot and comparison groups. This paper will describe how the evaluation design responds to the request to measure program impact in a complex systems-change initiative. Progress with multi-level buy-in, site visits, interview and focus-group instrumentation, and the development of a DEI Database will be part of the review of this unique evaluation.
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Research and Evaluation as Public Health Program Development Tools
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| Presenter(s):
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| Louise Palmer, KDH Research & Communication Inc, lpalmer@kdhrc.com
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| Jana Eisenstein, KDH Research & Communication Inc, jeisenstein@kdhrc.com
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| Kristen Holtz, KDH Research & Communication Inc, kholtz@kdhrc.com
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| Eric Twombly, KDH Research & Communication Inc, etwombly@kdhrc.com
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| Abstract:
This paper explains the importance of iterative waves of research and evaluation in developing the Cochlear Implant (CI) School Toolkit as an efficacious program to help children with CIs successfully enter mainstream school.
Formative research included focus groups with parents and teachers experienced and inexperienced in mainstreaming children with CIs to determine the pilot program content and format. A quasi-experimental feasibility evaluation used pretest/post-test surveys with teachers to determine pilot efficacy in increasing knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in teaching a child with a CI. A post-test only was implemented with parents to determine if the pilot was useful, comprehensive, and appropriate. Findings helped further program development. A quasi-experimental outcome evaluation used pretest/post-test surveys with teachers and parents to assess the impact of the final program in changing knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy among teachers and parents.
The combination of formative research, feasibility, and outcome evaluations resulted in an evidence-based, efficacious program.
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