Programs

For the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative to become a national model, it is essential to evaluate its programming. Since December 2002, evaluation efforts have focused on strengthening and improving Literacy Initiative programming. The evaluation team has developed logic models that define the Literacy Initiative, its target population, and its intended outcomes. The team continues to study and assess how programs have been implemented. The methods used to collect data are varied: participant survey forms, focus groups, and phone interviews. Evaluation results have led to improved outreach and curriculum. As would be expected, future evaluation plans include a summative evaluation that will describe changes in parent behavior as a result of programming. Why Involve Stakeholders? A participatory approach to evaluation has many benefits. It ensures the questions being asked are relevant to stakeholders. It empowers participants, particularly program beneficiaries, by making them partners in the process. Participatory evaluation develops leaders and builds teams. Finally, it allows stakeholders to think critically about the program's progress, and figure out practical ways to use evaluation findings to strengthen the program. In addition, through a process called participatory evaluation, stakeholders will be actively involved in developing and implementing the evaluation. Stakeholders, including community members, will work with the literacy team in formulating research questions to measure the campaign's effect on parents' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding early literacy. They will also assist in collecting data and presenting findings to the community. The Institute for Community Health (ICH) in Cambridge, Mass., is leading the Literacy Initiative evaluation. The Institute is dedicated to improving health status through facilitation and collaborative sponsorship of community-based research, assessment, dissemination, and educational activities. For more information on evaluation data, please contact Lei-Anne Ellis, Literacy Coordinator. Her information can be found on the 'Meet Our Team' page.