Illustrates steps in the evaluation process, reports findings from the evaluation, demonstrates the importance of planning evaluations before programs are implemented, and encourages the use of evaluation techniques in program development. (JOW)

Telephone interviews with 26 extension field staff and 53 nutrition specialists about use of impact indicators found that field staff saw little incentive for conducting evaluations and thought systemwide measures neglected individual program nuances. Specialists considered evaluations important but cited lack of time and resources as barriers.…

Explores the commonality between effective extension education and effective evaluations, illustrating similar principles and processes both involve. (JOW)

Criteria for usefulness of evaluative information have changed and this means the model of evaluation used by extension must meet the new criteria. Evaluation research is now considered the legitimate model for evaluation; it can aid decision makers by providing data for making unpopular decisions. (LRA)

Presents two evaluation approaches that can be adapted to a variety of programs: measuring learning and measuring behavior change. Both methods, the measurement of what was learned in a program and the assessment of changes in behavior following a program, can strengthen program evaluation. (MF)

Presents criteria to evaluate inservice educational programs before, during, and after implementation, and keys these criteria to the different purposes for evaluation. (JOW)

Describes the procedure followed in evaluating extension at the University of Missouri, reporting on the usefulness of the steps followed, and presenting some of the outcomes from this Extension evaluation at the institutional level. (WL)

A national sample of 4-H curriculum materials was analyzed, showing fewer instances than expected of life skills that 4-H promotes (decision making, problem solving, leadership), little evidence of interpersonal skills and competencies (teamwork, negotiation, diversity), and great emphasis on knowledge acquisition skills. (SK)

For the purposes of evaluating extension programs, a list of other outcomes participants may have experienced besides acquiring new knowledge is provided. (SK)

An analysis of apparent program failure should determine whether the fault lies with the program model, implementation strategy, expectations, or evaluation methods. The evaluation should be planned before completing and carrying out the program design. (SK)

Two North Carolina projects used methods from the National Network for Family Resiliency's Parenting Evaluation Decision Framework. Parenting for Success for Hispanic Parents used focus group interviews and summative evaluation. Individualized education for Head Start parents used pre/posttests of parental self-esteem and child development…

Using logic modeling as the basis for meaningful evaluation, specific steps are outlined for measuring learning outcomes in extension education: articulating outcomes, turning outcomes into knowledge statements, and constructing a tool to measure perceived changes in knowledge. Use of this learning assessment tool enables extension faculty to…

A communication model consisting of input from target audience, program delivery, and outcomes (receivers' perception of message) was applied to an osteoporosis-prevention program for working mothers ages 21 to 45. Due to poor completion rate on evaluation instruments and failure of participants to learn key concepts, the model was used to improve…

Minnesota and Maryland have developed explicit criteria for excellence and quality in extension programs. Unless extension educators can define and judge excellence, they cannot promote excellence within extension or communicate the quality of extension programs to external audiences. (JOW)

In a study of performance appraisal, extension agents (n=588) perceived the process to have several limitations or deficiencies. They suggested the following: supervisors conducting evaluations should be trained and retrained; agents should be evaluated on the range of duties they perform; and the process should promote personal and professional…