Using Improvement Science Tools in the Developmental Evaluation of a Career and Technical Education Program

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-1 - Methodological Approaches to Program Evaluation in the Schools

Abstract

This study used improvement science tools to organize and focus the developmental evaluation of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program. Improvement science tools–linkage of processes mapping, driver diagram construction, and root-cause analysis–in conjunction with observation, interviewing, focus groups, and surveys were used to deconstruct the CTE program’s complex system of partners and tasks and consequently gain a more coherent picture of the dynamics, interactions, and interdependencies that emerged from them. This work drew out the program’s theory of action, heightened its focus on student learning and teaching, increased meaningful collaboration, developed an organizational culture of thinking, and built capacity amongst system actors to understand their system and continuously develop.

Authors

• Rebecca Colina Neri, University of California - Los Angeles

• Louis M. Gomez, University of California - Los Angeles

• Kimberley Gomez, University of California - Los Angeles