An Outcome Evaluation of the Success for Kids Program

• NCJ Number: 306642
• Date Published: 2010
• Author(s): Nicole Maestas; Sarah J. Gaillot
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This report presents the results from a multisite, quantitative evaluation of the international Success for Kids after-school program, designed to build resilience in children by teaching them to access inner resources and build positive connections with others.

Abstract

This report describes the use of experimental and quasi-experimental analysis methods to evaluate the Success for Kids (SFK) after-school program, as it was being adopted by 19 new sites in southeast Florida. The treatment sites receive SFK programming immediately while control sites received the program after a 12-week delay. Children at both treatment and control sites were surveyed at the beginning and end of the first 12-week period. The authors estimated treatment effects (TEs) as pre- and post-differences for the treatment group relative to pre- and post-differences for the control group. Results indicated that the program had beneficial effects which persisted at the 12-week follow-up, on adaptive skills, behavioral problems, overexternalization of problems, and school problems. Results specifically indicated that the SFK program improved study skills and reduced reported learning and attention problems. The authors note that a major program strength was its careful attention to uniformity of program delivery, especially the standardized curriculum, use of experienced teachers, and formal teacher-training program.