Outcome-Based Evaluation: Best Practices Examples
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (the federal agency that manages and distributes LSTA funds to the states) strongly suggests that an outcome-based evaluation (OBE) showing outputs (quantitative measures) and outcomes (impact/qualitative measures) be used on most projects using LSTA funds.
Outcomes must represent a change in knowledge, skill, attitude, or behavior. The outcomes reported must be measurable. More information on OBE can be found on the State Library's website at: www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/obe/
The following are examples of good outcomes as they were reported in the 2007 & 2008 Summer Reading Mini Grants and how they were measured.
1) 75% of children/parents will report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with themed reading activities offered by member libraries. (attitude)
MEASURE: Informal surveys of parent/child attendees after completion/award of each reading certificate accompanied by actual comments
2) 75% of workshop attendees will self report on a Likert scale that they feel "confident" or "very confident" providing program- related crafts to children as the result of an introductory session with a consultant. (attitude, behavior)
MEASURE: Final reports from workshop attendees indicated that 95% conducted related craft programs, accompanied by actual comments
3) 85% of the audiences will enjoy summer reading mini grant programs
MEASURE: survey of program audiences (attitude, behavior)
4) 75% of the summer reading mini grant program audience will learn something new
MEASURE: survey of program audiences (knowledge, skill)
5) At least 10% more children will participate in the summer reading program than did in the previous year
MEASURE: Statistics (attitude, behavior)
6) Library staff in 34 libraries created community partnerships to increase library attendance and library visibility in the community
MEASURE: Community partnerships reported on final reports (behavior, attitude)
7) Library staff reported new knowledge and increased skills after attending a summer reading/youth services workshop
MEASURE: Surveys, programs reported on final report (knowledge, skill)
If you have questions concerning OBE, please contact Mary Linda Todd by calling (518)486-4858 or by email: mtodd@mail.nysed.gov
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