The Successful Partnership Enhancement Program (PEP) Model in Appalachian Schools
The PEP evaluation design uses a multi-level approach. At the program level, the design
seeks to assess the effectiveness of the PEP model in terms of each underlying goal:
enhancing local leadership capacity and practices, improved partnering between K-12 and
higher education, and effective professional development and curricular reform-all
addressing the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. The evaluation uses a
mixed-method approach to formative and summative assessment. At the program level
semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and surveys have been used, along with various
diagnostic test data and state school performance and student achievement data. At key
points in the program various qualitative and quantitative methods have been used to
analyze these data and provide stakeholders with feedback for use formatively.
Because each project is unique, the evaluation design necessarily varies by project. Each
project team is required to design its own evaluation for their project, which must relate
back to the overall goals of the program. At the individual project level, a "toolbox" of
instruments is made available to each project, which can be tailored to the specific needs
of the project. Individual project teams analyze and submit written reports using methods
appropriate to the goals of their project.
