Measuring Complexity at Scale: Planning for Out-of-School Time Program Fidelity and Change

• In Event: 14.044 - Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: 14.044-25 - Filling the Program Toolbox: A Deeper Understanding of Program Quality in Out-of-School Time Settings

Abstract

Out-of-school time (OST) science, engineering, and technology (SET) initiatives with longevity and proven track records are encouraged to “scale-up” to reach more youth. Through continuous research and evaluation of the scale-up process, a nonprofit girl serving organization aims to document factors that inhibit and promote the development of effective practices at scale while considering the duality of program fidelity alongside change. The authors describe the developmental process of designing the rubric and show how the tool aligns with theories of scale. They suggest the process of developing the fidelity rubric for Techbridge as a potential model for considering the complexities of scale in a way that is consistent with essential program values and goals.

Authors

• Sarah Taylor Hug, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Heather L. Thiry, University of Colorado - Boulder