Conducting internal outcome evaluation for program improvement
Abstract
Conducting internal outcome evaluation can yield important data for programs. This effective practice offers suggestions on how to use internal evaluation results to review program services. The information was shared at the South Cluster AmeriCorps Program Directors Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in October 2002 by Project STAR, a training and technical assistance provider whose focus is performance measurement and evaluation assistance. Although written with AmeriCorps programs in mind, this information is applicable to other service streams and community-based organizations.Issue
The Corporation requests that programs conduct internal outcome evaluation to provide information for continuous improvement of their services.Action
The following are suggestions on how to use internal evaluation results as tools to review program services and, if needed, make modifications to the program to increase effectiveness. According to Project STAR, steps to take are as follows:
1. Gather useful information. In order to use your evaluation results for program improvement you will need:
- The mission statement of your organization.
- A copy of your objectives and evaluation plan.
- The record of accomplishments this period (e.g., number of individuals served).
- The results of your data analysis transferred to an easy reference format (e.g., in a table, or on a copy of the original instrument).
- Organization administrators
- Program coordinators (e.g., Program Directors, AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers)
- Direct service members (e.g., AmeriCorps members, Senior Corps volunteers)
- Community volunteers
- Service Recipients
- Did the evaluation results show that the activity met a community need?
- How, if at all, should the activity be modified to improve program services?
- Do you want to expand or reduce the services to be more effective?
- Do you want to increase the number of members to benefit more people or reduce the number of members to provide more in-depth service?
- Do you need to change your desired result?
4. Outline your next steps. After you are finished with your review process, clarify the decisions you made and steps you will take to implement these decisions.
5. Begin the process again. Modify your program objectives and evaluation plans to take into account your review findings and continue evaluating your modified services.
Context
The National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended, requires applicants for funding to apply measurable performance goals to determine the impact of AmeriCorps on communities and participants. Since 1993, programs and state commissions have been using varying forms of performance measures to articulate program goals and results.
With the 2003 AmeriCorps guidelines, the Corporation launched a major effort to strengthen the accountability and performance of organizations receiving funds under the national service laws. The Corporation is placing increased emphasis on the importance of performance measures as both a program management tool and a means by which to communicate program impact.
Outcome
Programs conducting internal outcome evaluation have greater opportunities to improve services and are better able to articulate program impact to the public, stakeholders, and the Corporation.Posted On
December 9, 2002For More Information