We are in the process of piloting retrospective pre-test surveys for one of our clients. The retrospective pre-test has been shown in research to be the most valid way to capture change as a result of a program or intervention, particularly among young people. It asks participants at the end of the program to rate their own status at the beginning of the program and their current status; so a sample question might be:
For each question below, circle your answer.
August 14, 2006 - 2:13pm
One of the things we work very hard to do is collect data in the language that is most comfortable for respondents. We have translated print surveys into Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong and Chinese; we've conducted focus groups in Spanish and Hmong, and conducted telephone interviews or surveys in a number of languages.
August 11, 2006 - 1:40pm
What do you do when your evaluation finds mixed results? How do you let your client know that what you've proven is only modest success? This is one of the biggest challenges for external evaluators.
August 3, 2006 - 1:14pm
Last spring, several Improve Group staff attended the "Every Girl, Everywhere" event of the Girl Scout Council of Greater Minneapolis. I've worked with a lot of programs that serve youth and always enjoy the chance to hear directly from kids.
