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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indian River County, CSAC "Jump into Reading" Program <br /> means of identifying programmatic strengths and/or concerns. After termination, each client will <br /> receive a 8-month follow-up call to determine the long-term impact of mentoring services . This <br /> information will be tracked on an Excel spread sheet and incorporated into the program <br /> evaluation report . Volunteer rematch rates will also be calculated to measure customer <br /> satisfaction. <br /> 3. REPORTING: What will you do with this information to show that change has <br /> occurred? How will you use or present these results to the consumer, the funder, the program, and <br /> the community? How will you use this information to improve your program ? Program <br /> goals and measurable outcomes have been established in order to determine the overall <br /> effectiveness of our program. A comprehensive assessment system has been designed to evaluate <br /> the extent to which outcomes related to promotion, reading skills, attendance, grades, behavior <br /> and socialization have been achieved. Children ' s reading skills are measured through the use of <br /> pre and post testing. Additional documentation on grades, attendance, behavior and socialization <br /> skills is gained from a pre and post survey completed with the help of the classroom teacher and <br /> volunteer. Data is analyzed using SPSS, a statistical analysis software package. Year-end <br /> statistics on every client are recorded and then compared with their baseline data to determine <br /> the effects of mentoring on academic success, truancy and socialization. Data is disaggregated by <br /> gender, ethnicity, age and family structure to determine the effects of mentoring unique to <br /> subgroups. The overall significance of the results is considered. Programmatic adjustments are <br /> made accordingly relative to feedback and outcome information. Satisfaction surveys are <br /> distributed to all stakeholders to determine the impact of service on our customers . Evaluative <br /> information is communicated internally to the Board, Advisory Board, program manager and <br /> staff. Externally it is shared with the appropriate stakeholders including all funders, public <br /> officials, schools, community leaders, volunteers, corporate partners, supporters, other <br /> community providers, and media. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has committed to make a <br /> difference for children by helping their affiliated agencies become data-driven, research-based, <br /> coordinated and focused on outcomes. Their intent, like Children ' s Services Advisory Council, <br /> is to ensure that BBBS service reaches program goals and promotes meaningful changes in the <br /> lives of our clients. At the national level, they have completed an impact study utilizing <br /> nationally recognized, independent evaluators through Public Private Ventures to determine best <br /> practices in school and community-based mentoring. Evaluation findings have been integrated <br /> into local agency policy and procedures thereby developing opportunities for systemic <br /> improvement in program management and outcomes. National standards and procedures <br /> promote quality assurance through local program audit performed by the Board ' s Program <br /> Committee . This involves an annual review of record keeping. BBBSA also evaluates all their <br /> affiliates on an annual cycle. Case files are reviewed every 6 months by the Program Manager to <br /> verify that national standards of practice are being met regarding service, time spent with clients, <br /> and contacts with family. Signed consent forms are also reviewed along with other necessary <br /> documentation such as law enforcement checks, background checks, reference and releases. <br /> Personnel working in the program are professionals whose qualifications and experience afford <br /> them the best opportunity to impact our clients. Annual in-service training is required . Weekly <br /> program meetings and monthly staff meetings are held to focus on program development and <br /> quality assurance issues. Factors such as outcome data regarding client goals, coordination of <br /> service, level of client satisfaction and family participation are reviewed . Year end goals and <br /> outcomes have been attained in all school-based mentoring efforts over the past four years. <br /> 13 <br />