A method called multi-attribute utility analysis (MAUA) provides a decision-making framework that facilitates comparative analysis of multiple real-world decision alternatives with unique complex attributes. Utility analysis as a measure of effectiveness has been minimally used by educational researchers to date, despite clear relevance in complex…

As persistent inequities in health gained increased attention nationally due to COVID-19 and racial justice protests in 2020, it has become increasingly important to evaluate both the process and outcomes associated with coalition-based efforts to address health inequities. "The Two Georgias Initiative" supports coalitions in 11 rural…

Evidence from formal evaluation of real-world practice can address gaps in the public health knowledge base and provide information about feasible, relevant strategies for varied settings. Interest in evaluability assessment (EA) as an approach for generating practice-based evidence has grown. EA has been central to several structured assessment…

This chapter describes the impact of an alternative spring break program on students at the Savannah College of Art and Design over a set of years as well as its effectiveness as a service-learning tool.

Health promotion and social betterment program interventions are based on either formal theory from academia or stakeholder theory from stakeholders' observations and experiences in working with clients. Over time, formal theory-based interventions have acquired high prestige, while stakeholder theory-based interventions have been held in low…

Making Connections was the Annie E. Casey Foundation's signature place-based, community-change initiative of the 2000s. It sought to build on previous work and launch an effort focused firmly on the framework of family strengthening. The Foundation started Making Connections in 22 places, focusing eventually on first 10, then seven sites. It…

THE AIMS OF THIS EVALUATION OF THE USE OF NONPROFESSIONALS IN COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMS WHICH WAS PREPARED FOR THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ARE--(1) TO PROVIDE A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAMS, (2) TO ASSESS THE VALIDITY OF THE BASIC PREMISES OF A NONPROFESSIONAL PROGRAM, AND (3) TO IDENTIFY THE SUCCESSFUL AND…

Presented are the findings of a study conducted to evaluate two community protective service systems in terms of the mechanisms for identifying and handling child abuse and neglect cases and the effectiveness of intervention. It is noted that data was collected in two sites: Site I (Nashville, Tennessee), which has an emergency reporting system…

This three year demonstration of a mental health program developed by the Bradley Center in Columbus, Georgia, centered on the training of physicians and ministers in standardized methods of managing emotional and social problems of patients and parishioners seeking help. Involved was the challenge of entering two Georgia Communities and obtaining…

The five-year Georgia Head Start Quality Initiative was founded in 1994 to provide training and technical assistance (consisting of monthly group training sessions and individual on-site consultation) for Georgia Head Start administrators as they pursue National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. This document…