 Assessment of after school programs must be an ongoing effort that depends on the provider’s commitment to self-improvement. While program funders often provide some sort of evaluation, it is important to seek other forms as these assessments do not necessarily cover the whole program. Frequent self-evaluation is important as well as periodic evaluation from an outside, neutral source.
Evaluations serve three main purposes: Performance Monitoring, Decision Making and Feedback. RIASPA offers the following as a checklist of the key elements necessary to implement a well-rounded evaluation of your after school program. Program Evaluation Checklist Appropriateness
How appropriate is the program for the community being served?
How suitable are the strategies being used to achieve the program objectives?
How applicable are the program objectives to the community’s needs? Adequacy
Are the program’s resources enough to meet it’s objectives?
Are the program implementers involved enough?
Should more people (staff, volunteers, families, participants) be involved?
Did program providers plan enough activities?
Are the program’s objectives too large or too small in comparison with greater community needs? Effectiveness
How much has happened as planned?
Are resources being properly used?
Have activities resulted in a completed strategy?
To what extent have needs decreased? Efficiency
Should resources be different?
Can resources be downsized or combined?
Should the activities change?
Should the strategies change?
How cost-effective is it to achieve program goals?
It is important to remember who your audience is during your evaluation process. Change the wording of the questions accordingly, taking into account age, literacy level and understanding of English. It is advisable to keep student evaluations to a page. Bear in mind, also, that parents and teachers are often overwhelmed with other duties. If at all possible, keep their evaluations to one page, front and back. Remember that the longer the evaluation is, the more of a task it becomes. Leave plenty of space for people to leave their own comments- ask why? and how? questions when fitting. The feedback of program participants (and those closest to them) is the only way to know how effectively you are implementing the program. Let them know that their opinions are important to you.
Harvard Family Research Project
"Focus on Families!: How to Build and Support Family-Centered Practices in Afterschool Programs"
A critical resource for afterschool providers looking to create or expand an existing family engagement program. You may access the guide online or print out the PDF form at http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterschool/resources/families
Increasing Parent Involvement
Most parents want to be involved with their child’s after school program but often don’t know how. It is important for program providers to enable parent participation right away. Welcome their ideas on program scheduling and events. Allow them to physically participate in the program, as well. Parents are an easy way to find volunteers, but frequently are not aware of their own abilities. RIASPA has provided the following Parent Talent Survey1 that highlights some of the talents parents may have.
1 Parent Talent Survey provided to RIASPA by Arnold’s All-Stars After-School Adventures. High-Performing Afterschool Programs Share Five Common Characteristics
The After-school Corporation's Afterschool Program Evaluation
This recent study shows that successful afterschool programs do not replicate the school day but that they provide a safety zone where youth may increase their learning opportunities. The study suggests that effective afterschool programs share the following five qualities: 1) A broad array of enrichment programs; 2) Opportunities for skill building and mastery; 3) Intentional relationship-building; 4) A strong, experienced leader supported by trained and supervised staff; 5) The administrative, fiscal and professional support of the sponsoring organization. The full report, in PDF format, is available at http://www.sedl.org/pubs/fam107/fam107.pdf.
The Gateway website Learning Points Associates announces the launch of The Gateway website for afterschool programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC). The Gateway is designed to streamline the information, resources, and services that can help the afterschool community and 21st CCLC create, improve, and sustain effective programs. The website is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and features a guide to resources, including links to quality programming, evaluation, funding, afterschool advocacy, summer learning, and youth development. There also are specific sections for 21st CCLC grantees, state education agencies, and evaluators. Another feature of the website is a calendar of events that includes trainings, conferences, and other afterschool activities. Those visiting the website are invited to submit events to be listed on the calendar. The Gateway can be found at http://www.learningpt.org/gateway/ as well as on the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st CCLC resources page at www.edgov/programs/21stcclc/resources.html. | 
