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During May of 2005 all Leaders participating in Leading for Quality were asked to complete an End of the Year Survey. A total of sixteen leaders responded to the survey. Sixty-eight percent (11) respondents represented community-based organizations, and thirty-one percent (5) respondents represented City of Cambridge programs.
Perceptions of Effectiveness of Leaders Meetings
Leaders were asked, "How effective do you feel the following L4Q components have been in helping you to make desired changes in your program?". (Responses were made on a 1-4 scale where 1=Not at all effective, 2=Somewhat effective, 3=Fairly effective and 4=Extremely effective). L4Q training was ranked #1 rated between "fairly" and "extremely effective". Bi-Monthly Leaders Meetings were ranked # 2, rated as "fairly effective". And, Joint Leaders & QF Meetings were ranked as #3, rated as slightly below "fairly effective".
The breakdown of Leaders responses to the question of "effectiveness" shows that there was a greater range of opinions regarding the Bi-Monthly Leaders meetings than the Joint Leaders & QF meetings.
When asked to rate "how true" it was that meetings had been found to be worthwhile, respondents rated Bi-Monthly Leaders Meetings slightly higher than Joint Leader & QF Meetings.
Respondents appeared to feel a bit less confident about the value of Joint Leader & QF Meetings with about only 39% rating it as "true" or "very true" that Joint meetings were worthwhile. Half of all respondents rated it as "true or very true" that Bi-Monthly Leaders Meetings were worthwhile.
Ratings of Perceived Benefits from Attending Leaders Meetings
When Leaders were asked to rate a series of "how true" statements describing potential benefits derived from attending Leaders meetings, "learning about other Cambridge programs" (3.3) "having input into L4Q goals and approach" (3.0) and "participating in advocacy activities such as Lights on Afterschool" (3.1) , were rated as the benefits believed to be most true. The ability to "network", have "substantive discussions about quality" and "gain support from peers in order to make desired program changes", were found to be less true for respondents. It is not clear whether respondents feel that all areas listed are benefits that they'd like to derive from their participation in Leaders meetings.
Next Steps for Monthly Leaders Meetings:
Fifteen of the sixteen respondents offered suggestions for strengthening Leaders Meetings next year. Comments revealed a nearly 100% consensus that there should be more guest speakers. Eleven of the fifteen respondents specifically suggested the addition of more guest speakers, and the remaining four respondents requested more "topical discussions" with many suggesting there be a facilitator to guide these discussions.
- 100% of Leaders suggest more Guest Speakers/Topical Discussions in FY06
There were two other trends in topic suggestions (e.g. at least 2 respondents indicating an interest in these topics)
- Policy, funding changes and new state legislation (e.g. DOE and OCCS merger)
- How to retain, sustain staff
- The other topic suggestions by individuals included, time management, topics related to Leaders' needs, demographic changes in families, and how to best support staff in implementing L4Q goals.
Other Suggested Changes for Next Year
There was far less consensus regarding other changes to be made to the content, format and schedule of Leaders meetings for next year. Some additional suggestions included:
- Establish sub-committees
- Have fewer meetings per year
- Composition of group should be more consistent with regard to organizational roles and responsibilities
- More brainstorming and idea sharing
- More honest sharing about issues facing programs
- More positive attitude about what can be accomplished
- Should Joint Leader & QF Meetings be continued?
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