NCJ Number
251339
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 57 Dated: August 2016
Date Published
August 2016
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This project generated brief, customized instruments for measuring three outcomes among youth participants in Baltimore City Outward Bound programs: conflict management, emotional self-efficacy, and problem-solving confidence.
Abstract
Substantial evidence supports the value of outdoor education programs for promoting healthy adolescent development, yet measurement of program outcomes often lacks rigor. Accurately assessing the impacts of programs that seek to promote positive youth development is critical for determining whether youth are benefiting as intended, identifying best practices and areas for improvement, and informing decisions about programs in which to invest. Measures were validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of pilot-testing data from two groups of program participants. This article describes the project's process of identifying outcomes for measurement, developing and adapting measurement instruments, and validating these instruments. The finalized measures support evaluations of outdoor education programs serving urban adolescent youth. Such evaluations enhance accountability by determining whether youth are benefiting from programs as intended, and strengthen the case for investment in programs with demonstrated success. (Publisher abstract modified)