Incorporating evaluation data into newsletter articles
Abstract
There are many methods for developing an evaluation reporting plan. Results can be reported not only in a text document, but also in oral reports, videos, press releases, newsletters, and other forms of communication. For reporting to be effective, it should be tailored to address the issues that the user of the report is most interested in. This effective practice, excerpted from the User's Guide to Evaluation for National Service Programs, developed by Project STAR, addresses how best to write evaluation data into newsletter format.Issue
Tayloring evaluation data reports so that they are meaningful to readers.
Action
According to Project STAR, include the following when writing a newsletter article that comprises evaluation reporting (program objectives and documented outcomes):- A description of the activity
- Information about what changed in service recipients
- A brief description of how change was measured
- What this change means about the program's success
- a mix of evaluation data,
- great stories,
- and pictures
- all related to the same objective.
(For example, an article highlighting a tutoring objective might describe student reading rate increases, show a picture of students reading to their tutors, and include quotes from teachers about students' skills.)
In the following newsletter article outline, the italicized items are places to include evaluation data that will add relevance and importance to the story. Follow the outline below to create a newsletter article for your program.
I. Title: Neighborhood Watch Groups are Popping Up in Jegensville
II. History of Program (Baseline Data)
- A. Problems with car break-ins and burglaries (data from police crime records and pre-service survey of residents).
- B. Residents' views about neighborhood safety and sense of community (data from pre-service survey of residents).
- C. AmeriCorps members added neighborhood watch groups organizing to their other activities (cleanups and community services outreach).
- D. Relationships developed between the AmeriCorps program and the police departments community policing services.
- A. Conduct community needs assessment
- B. Help organize neighborhood watch groups
- C. Link residents with community policing services
- A. Reduction in number of car thefts in neighborhoods with watch groups (data from police records and mid and/or post-service resident survey).
- B. Increase in positive attitudes among residents about their neighborhood, safety, and their neighbors (data from mid and/or post-service resident survey -- include quotes/stories).
- A. AmeriCorps program if you are interested in help with organizing neighborhood watch group.
- B. Police department community policing services.
Context
Including evaluation data in promotional and informational materials will be useful for secondary users, individuals who may be associated with your program or have in interest in what you are doing (e.g., city council, internal organization, neighborhoods, and service recipients). More formal reporting methods are appropriate for primary users, such as funders.Citation
The User's Guide to Evaluation for National Service Programs was developed by Project STAR. Each chapter focuses on evaluation tasks specific to a priority area and leads the program through a series of practical steps designed to accomplish that task. Each chapter is self-contained and programs can select only the chapters they need. If questions arise while working on a chapter, the program can call the toll-free assistance line at 1-800-548-3656.Outcome
Making evaluation data known to secondary users via newsletters, videos or brochures, increases program visibility and consequently can increase support.Posted On
March 11, 2005For More Information
Donald Pratt
Project STAR, Aguirre Division, JBS International, Inc.
555 Airport Blvd., Suite 400
Burlingame,
CA
94010
Fax: (650) 348-0261
Email: dpratt@jbsinternational.com
Other: Toll-free: 1-800-548-3656