Practical Evaluation for Collaborative Services: Goals, Processes, Tools, and Reporting Systems for School-Based Programs

Assessment and evaluation is particularly difficult when assessment strategies and tools must be designed from scratch and evaluation processes must be established within the context of existing evaluation processes and within complex models of service delivery. Practical Evaluation for Collaborative Services answers the call for help wherever assessment and evaluation are being considered as schools and community service agencies work to establish and evaluate broad-based community collaborative initiatives. This book is unique in that specific evaluation instruments are provided in a format that can be immediately copied and used. This factor alone will save many hours of development by local service providers and managers trying to design evaluation from scratch.In particular, readers will find an approach to monitor and measure parent/guardian involvement and coordination of multiple agency services. The instruments and processes were developed and used within large and small communities to assess collaborative service arrangements between public schools and service agencies such as public health, mental health, human services, etc. The authors believe the information complements existing national initiatives to develop and evaluate full-service schools.

Table of Contents:
List of Tables List of Figures and Displays Foreword - Joy Dryfoos Preface About the Authors 1. Introduction 2. Monitoring and Gathering Outcome Data for Collaborative Services Programs 3. Assessing Student Risk and Other Critical Customer Characteristics 4. Process Evaluation: Assessing Program Implementation and Customer Satisfaction 5. Outcomes Evaluation I: Evaluating Program Results Using Quantitative Data 6. Outcomes Evaluation II: Evaluating Program Results Using Qualitative Data 7. Local Utilization of Evaluation 8. Challenges and Keys to Sustainability in Assessment and Evaluation 9. Putting It All Together Resource A: Elementary School Student Survey Resource B: Middle School Student Survey Resource C: High School Student Survey Resource D: Survey for Parent of Elementary School Student Resource E: Survey for Parent of Middle School Student Resource F: Survey for Parent of High School Student Resource G: Self-Review Format Resource H: Examples of Data Collection Formats Resource I: Summary of Development Logging in Iowa References Index

Review :
"The title says it well. This practical work offers a guiding framework for evaluating a school-linked services initiative, delineates specific steps, and includes a host of useful tools that have been field tested. Anyone planning such an evaluation will find this a major resource aid." "…a unique how-to document, providing detailed instructions for monitoring and assessing complex comprehensive programs. This book offers a rich context for generating ideas."  "Practical Evaluation for Collaborative Services is a superb resource for educators. With all the forms, models, surveys and examples, it will be priceless for teachers and administrators interested in improving schools and student performance."  "Drawing on their many years of experience evaluating a school-based, collaborative services program, the authors break down the sometimes complex and intimidating process of evaluation into manageable action steps. Further, in going beyond tools and techniques, the authors show how evaluation can be used to both improve accountability and foster organizational learning. A very good resource for those in collaborative services who are now to evaluation."  "An essential guidebook for any professional working with students at risk."  "The first book to provide the tools for the comprehensive management by data of a school’s at-risk population. This much needed guide will provide a roadmap to appropriate intervention for any educator concerned with helping students at risk."