Program Evaluation

An independent evaluation of the Nuestra Familia training and materials was conducted by Terry Richard, Ph.D., and Carolyn Turturro, Ph.D., from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to document the effectiveness of the materials in achieving the project goals. The evaluation was funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. Evaluation instruments were developed, tested at the initial session and revised to reflect the new materials and to better reflect variances in data (i.e. expanding the Likert scale from 1 - 5 to 1 - 10 on the evaluation form). The evaluation initially consisted of a pre/post test and a session evaluation form completed by each participant. The post test for module two included a test of the participants' skills in correctly applying the information learned in assessing a child for a language delay, based on video vignettes developed by the evaluation team. An additional pre/post instrument was later included to measure attitudinal change of the participants. All evaluation measurements indicated a positive improvement in knowledge, skill levels and attitude. The participants were very interested and involved in the sessions, as evidenced by their evaluation forms. Out of a possible 10 points, they gave an average overall rating of 9.71 for session one and 9.40 for session two. The training materials and presentation techniques were modified for content and flow following each pilot session based on feedback from the participants and trainers.

Nuestra Familia officially ended December 31, 2002. The Welcome the Children project picked up where Nuestra Familia left off, disseminating the training and materials statewide, developing capacity within local communities to provide training and appropriately handling referrals, and developing additional information and training on specific topics.