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Evaluation of the Steps Program
The Steps Program Office
coordinates a national, program-wide evaluation that includes reporting
on Core Performance Measures across all funded communities. The purposes
of this evaluation include:
- Document key features of program implementation
- Determine progress toward intended outcomes
- Identify opportunities for ongoing program improvement
What are the Core Performance Measures?
The Core Performance Measures comprise the heart of national-level program
evaluation efforts. Over the course of two years, stakeholders identified
and agreed upon 18 measures and 44 related indicators; each reflects a critical
component of the Steps Program. The Core Performance Measures:
- Provide information about what and how results are achieved;
- Reflect the best-possible science and practice-wisdom relevant to
the Steps Program; and
- Take into account the practicalities of data collection at the community
level.
How do communities collect the data required to report on the Core Performance
Measures?
All communities document program implementation via site-specific records
or progress reports. To report on progress toward key health outcomes, these
communities participate in the Behavioral
Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) annually and the
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
(YRBSS) biennially. Participation in BRFSS and YRBSS provides:
- Community-level data about relevant risk factors and behaviors.
- High-quality data that is reasonably comparable across funded communities,
states, and many national estimates.
- A consistent, stable source of data to monitor progress over time.
How will the Core Performance Measures Be Used?
Staff at the national, state and local
levels will use these data to:
- Improve or refocus existing programs on activities with the greatest
promise of results;
- Make programmatic decisions (e.g., strategic allocation of limited
funds to high-impact activities);
- Identify opportunities for technical assistance or strategic collaboration;
and
- Identify and disseminate lessons learned across the Steps Program
and beyond.
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Foundational Elements for Program Evaluation Planning,
Implementation, and Use of Findings
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Distinguish between research and program
evaluation.
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Define program evaluation.
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Use the Framework
for Program Evaluation in Public Health to inform evaluation
planning.
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Seek cultural competence
in program evaluation planning, implementation, and
use of findings.
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Prepare a program
logic model as a platform for evaluation planning, implementation,
and use of findings.
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Identify the purpose
of the evaluation.
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Identify intended
users and uses of the evaluation.
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Identify key evaluation
questions.
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Attend to process
and outcome evaluation.
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Maximize use of existing
surveillance systems for outcome measurement.
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*Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a
service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization
by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is
not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found
at this link.
Page last reviewed: May 2, 2008
Page last modified: August 10, 2007
Content source: Division of Adult and
Community Health, National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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