A data party is an engaging way to involve stakeholders in program evaluation. We explain the use of a data party for engaging 4-H program stakeholders (e.g., staff and volunteers) in data interpretation and helping them understand, embrace, and use program evaluation information to make data-driven decisions about their programs. We present two…

We conducted an evaluation pilot study to measure the influence of the statewide University of California Master Gardener Program on participants who attended its public education events. We discuss (a) steps for developing a statewide evaluation and (b) findings from the event follow-up survey we used to evaluate public education participants'…

We conducted a process evaluation of the Shaping Healthy Choices Program, a multicomponent school-based nutrition program, when implemented in partnership with University of California (UC) CalFresh and UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE). There were positive impacts on participating students, but results varied across counties, possibly due to…

Science education research has demonstrated the influence of affect on learning. The National 4-H Science Logic Model outlines outcomes from youth participation in 4-H science programs, which includes attitude and interest outcomes. The associated measure, the National 4-H Science Common Measure, assesses these attitude constructs and not other…

In response to budgetary constraints, a new staffing structure, the Pilot Leadership Plan, was proposed for California's 4-H Youth Development Program. County clusters were formed, each led by a coordinator. The plan was piloted for 2 years to provide insight into how county clustering could support Extension staff to increase and enhance program…

Beyond being responsive to the demand for online learning in the marketplace, UC Davis Extension lacks the system and tools to assess, improve and sustain the quality of online instruction it delivers. This study evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of online instructional quality at UCDE in accordance with Garrison's Community of Inquiry…

The number of obese children has nearly tripled in the past 30 years. Research has identified a clear connection between parental income, education, ethnicity, and the risk for obesity. Recent research demonstrates that parenting style may also impact the ability to establish healthy eating environments. This article reviews a program, currently…

4-H Bloco Drum and Dance is an afterschool program that teaches adolescents drumming, dancing, and theater arts in the rich traditions of Brazilian Carnaval. Teens learn to express themselves in a variety of modalities and perform at community events. The program was developed by a community coalition that included 4-H, other youth programs, and…

Extension educators in Fairfield, California, worked with nontraditional clientele to develop a training program to encourage citizen participation. The analytical problem-solving model and interactive group processes helped city government staff eager to deal with the public in a proactive manner. (JOW)

Five nutrition education lessons developed specifically for Latino families were broadcast over Spanish-language radio in urban and semi-rural areas of southern California. Pre- and postbroadcast interviews with participants revealed that although knowledge and practice gains were significant in both locations, reported food-frequency patterns…

An examination of the degrees of diversity in off-campus education in California is presented. An off-campus inventory, detailed questions, and questionnaires were sent to the public segments and central offices of the University and State University on a variety of topics including: curriculum; administrative mechanisms; procedures for hiring…

The Portable Assisted Study Sequence (P.A.S.S.) Program, a pilot high school program designed to support California migrant student graduation through the use of competency based credits and portable learning packets, more than met its goals and objectives in 1978-79. Evaluation was by questionnaire, to which 16% of the surveyed P.A.S.S. students…

Designed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and effects of California's Family Farm Program, an umbrella structure composed of four distinct but interrelated organizations (the Family Farm Council, the Central Information Service located at the University of California-Davis, Hartnell College Family Farm Resource Center at Salinas, and Kings…