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<br />be useful in itself, and at the same time will aid evaluators in developing a framework for <br />demonstrating the effectiveness of the coordinated services model. <br /> <br />Other qualitative data collection activities will include key informant interviews and focus <br />groups that include students, parents, teachers and school staff, and Community School <br />site staff. The goal of these interviews and focus groups will be to assess the effect of <br />the Community School programs and coordination on the school climate as a whole: <br />whether schools have become places that facilitate development of the whole child; <br />whether the school has facilitated parent involvement; whether decision-making at <br />schools has become more participatory; etc. <br /> <br />A particularly effective method for gathering data from youth is to collaborate with the <br />young people themselves in conducting focus groups. The LFA evaluation team can <br />provide technical assistance to site staff to assist them in working with youth to develop <br />focus group protocols and to co-lead focus groups with youth. <br /> <br />Deliver a Mid-Point Memo <br /> <br />A principle of LFA's approach to evaluation is to consult with stakeholders along the <br />way to revisit the evaluation approach in order to ensure that it is on track to generate <br />an evaluation that provides useful program feedback, and demonstrates the value of the <br />program to relevant audiences. LFA will build in a mid-point review of the evaluation <br />thus far, convening the Advisory Group to engage in joint discussion of successes, <br />concerns, and challenges, and to review and refine the approach as needed. From this <br />Advisory Group discussion LFA will produce a memo that will outline the ways in which <br />the evaluation approach is to be modified. <br /> <br />Review of Existing Approach to Outcome Evaluation <br /> <br />LFA currently works with RC2020 to assess the instruments it uses to measure <br />Community School outcomes for students and families. An LFA Community Schools <br />evaluation team can continue this assessment, and work to streamline the outcome <br />evaluation. Because the Community Schools logic model specifies outcomes in so <br />many areas, it will be more efficient to designate the outcomes that are most indicative <br />of Community School success. LFA can meet with site coordinators, partner providers, <br />and RC2020 leaders in order to gain feedback and which outcomes and indicators are <br />most critical. <br /> <br />Write a Year-End Report <br /> <br />During the first year of evaluation, the evaluation team will work to fully develop an <br />evaluation framework to address the goals of (1) measuring the cumulative community <br />impact of Community School programs and activities; and (2) testing the hypothesis that <br />the coordinated services model creates a system of care not feasible with only the co- <br />location of services. Concurrently, the team will work to streamline the outcome <br />evaluation. <br /> <br />Agreement over $1 OK 11 <br />City Attorney Approved Version 111803 <br />