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Research and evaluation

Research-based curriculum, materials, and programming is an important component of 4-H.

Section links for this page:

Missouri 4-H Life Skills Evaluation System

4-H study of positive youth development
4-H LIFE
Afterschool computer labs
Camp evaluation
Extension Council Youth Leadership
Evaluation resources
Volunteer reports
Youth Futures evaluation
 

 

Missouri 4-H Life Skills Evaluation System 4-H Life Skills Evaluation System website Login page: Enter evaluation system 4-H human subjects policies and tools guide When using the system: Date format When the system asks you to enter the date, it must be entered as mm/dd/yyyy (example June 8, 2010 would be 06/08/2010). When entering number of programming hours, use whole numbers with no decimals (6 correct; 6.5 incorrect). Creating a survey You will need to adjust the lickert scale label names (No, Sometimes, Usually, Yes). Two choices: a. Select the area with labels and change to Arial narrow, size 8 OR sb. Select and drag the label's object box to the left or right to stretch the area; thus, making all labels visible and aligned with the lickert scale items of 1, 2, 3 and 4.   Entering data For each evaluation form, you will enter the data on this page. Give each individual form a record number (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) each time you have a new page. Enter your data and select the Finish button. A new blank entry form will be displayed. Type a new record number on that page, enter data, select Finish, repeat...This should do this automatically; however, we know it has not in the past.    Deleting an existing record/case When you delete an existing record/case, the open ended responses for that record still appear in the open ended summary section at the end of the report. You will need to manually remove that response from your report. Sample Evaluation Utilizing Missouri 4-H Life Skills Evaluation System 4-H Counselor Camp for Camden, Lacleade, Pulaski Counties 2010 (PDF) Michele Kroll

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4-H Study of Positive Youth Development
The longitudinal 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development involves more than 4,400 youth and 2,000 parents from 25 states. The 4-H study measures the a variety of personal and social factors that impact a young person’s development. Overall, study researchers are finding that participating in high-quality youth development programs like 4-H plays a critical role in helping young people achieve success. 

For an overview and reports, see 4-H study of positive youth development

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4-H Living Interactive Family Education (LIFE) evaluation
4-H LIFE is a family-strengthening program for children of offenders and their families.

Evaluation instruments, tools and reports were developed as part of the CYFAR New Communities Projects at Missouri 4-H LIFE.
 

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Afterschool computer labs

Brightening Horizons
This report summarizes and interprets the results of computer skill assessments given to children at Missouri 4-H Afterschool Computer Lab sites during 2003-04.
Brightening Horizons Evaluation Report (PDF)
Missouri CYFAR computer skills assessment tools

Playing to Learn
An evaluation of the participation of upper elementary and middle school students in Missouri recreational computer lab programs.
Playing to Learn Evaluation Executive Summary (PDF)
Order Form (PDF) for the complete evaluation report

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Camp evaluation
Statewide evaluations conducted by 4-H staff across Missouri show that camp develops essential life skills in youth.  The specific life skills evaluated in these studies were teamwork, self-responsibility, learning by doing, and social skills.

2007

• 2007 Evaluation Complete Report (PDF)
• 2007 Evaluation Overview Poster (PDF)
• 2007 Camp Counselor Study - Executive Summary (PDF)

2006

• 2006 4-H Resident Camp Study - Executive Summary (PDF)
• 2006 4-H Resident Camp Evaluation (PDF)

2005

• 2005 Evaluation Overview Poster (PDF)
• 2005 4-H Resident Camp Study - Executive Summary (PDF)
• 2005 4-H Resident Camp Evaluation (PDF)

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Extension Council Youth Leadership (ECYL)
The ECYL program helps councils create a space at the table for youth/young adulst to serve on council. The EYCL program is available as a resource for councils that seek to involve younger generations.

ECYL Council Survey Results 2011 (PDF)

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Volunteer reports

Documenting the Contributions and Impact of Missouri 4-H Volunteers Report April 2009 (PDF)

North Central Region 4-H Volunteers Documenting Their Contributions and Volunteer Development Sept. 2009 (PDF)

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Youth Futures evaluation
Youth Futures: College Within Reach is a college orientation program for underserved youth.  The program includes local mentoring and on-campus experiences that promote college as an obtainable goal.

• 2011 Youth Futures Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2010 Youth Futures Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2009 Youth Futures Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2008 Youth Future Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2007 Youth Future Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2006 Youth Futures Evaluation Summary (PDF)
• 2005 Youth Futures Evaluation Summary (PDF)

Embracing Higher Education by Sarah Garber (PDF)
St. Louis Youth Futures graduates featured in Mizzou Magazine 2008

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Evaluation resources

Penn State program evaluation
Information to design and implement a useful program evaluation in order to improve a program, compare delivery methods, respond to stakeholders, advocate, and prepare for promotion. 

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