Abstract

Developing and implementing an evaluation management plan is useful in administering programs, especially with an increasing emphasis on performance measurement. A monthly wall calendar that includes helpful tips for development and implementation of evaluation procedure has great potential for AmeriCorps literacy programs in Florida. While the calendar has been designed to assist with literacy-focused program deadlines for programs funded by Volunteer Florida, it may be personalized to correspond to the evaluation management plan of any individual program. View the calendar in PDF format and adapt for your program. Dee Wilder submitted this effective practice in October 2003.

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Issue

AmeriCorps program directors need assistance with ongoing monthly planning for evaluation and evaluation tasks.

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Action

According to the training officer for Volunteer Florida, a monthly wall calendar that includes helpful tips for developing and implementing an evaluation management plan is useful in administering programs, especially with an increasing emphasis on performance measurement. Effective practices for designing and creating the evaluation calendar included:

• An evaluation focus group, made up of AmeriCorps program directors and Volunteer Florida staff, was formed to address the need for technical assistance in the areas of planning and evaluation.
• The focus group met three times and corresponded by e-mail to assist the training officer of Volunteer Florida in identifying content needed for an evaluation "handbook."
• The handbook grew to include a calendar format to assist in planning for evaluation.
• The calendar is designed to assist persons responsible for national service program management to learn more about evaluation and planning and to incorporate key dates and events for planning and reporting in their program management plan.
• The calendar contains:
  • Monthly evaluation "to do" lists to guide planning and evaluation responsibilities each month
  • Prompts for meeting evaluation and critical reporting deadlines for national service programs
  • Brief evaluation and planning suggestions and a list of evaluation terms
  • Website references for a variety of evaluation-related resources
  • Reminders of upcoming meetings/events and national service days
• The calendar may be personalized according to the evaluation management plan for an individual program.
• It may also be used to keep notes and records of each meeting with the designated program evaluator.
• Space is also available for other personal notes and contractual deadlines.

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Context

Florida AmeriCorps program directors will use the evaluation "handbook" when implementing literacy-focused programs that begin with the school year (September 2003). These are AmeriCorps programs that provide approximately 1.5 hours of reading tutoring per week in a school setting with the objective of raising reading achievement at least one grade level. As of 2003, Florida has eighteen of these programs.The mission of Volunteer Florida, the Florida Commission on Community Service, is to strengthen Florida's communities through volunteerism and service by facilitating in the development, promotion, and implementation of volunteer and community service programs and practices in the following focus areas:

• Funding and administering community service programs and volunteer initiatives
• Managing volunteers and donations locally, nationally, and internationally during times of disaster
• Providing youth with service leadership opportunities
• Providing training and technical assistance on issues relative to volunteerism and civic engagement
• Developing and strengthening collaborative partnerships
• Promoting and supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in national service
• Promoting, recognizing, and rewarding volunteerism and civic engagement

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Outcome

With the help of the focus group the training officer was able to clarify the actual technical assistance need and deliver a product that met that need. It is hoped that AmeriCorps program directors will experience better evaluation planning and management through greater organization and a sense of the larger overall picture.

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Posted On

October 15, 2003

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For More Information

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Using internal process evaluation to ensure compliance with provisions for Corporation grantees
• Conducting internal outcome evaluation for program improvement

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Related sites

Topic Areas

• Tutoring
• Performance measurement
• Program evaluation
• AmeriCorps
• Staff
• Cross-Stream
• Program management

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