BOSTnet Cohort 2008 - 2009
ABOUT THE COHORT: Each year, BOSTnet selects 10-15 organizations to receive training and TA on program evaluation and quality improvement. Each program receives support to build a Quality Environment for Youth by assessing all or one of four quality areas that address national standards and using management and evaluation tools .
ASSESSMENT AREAS: Inclusion of Children with Disabilities (programming that is appropriate to developmental level and abilities of children); Promoting Positive Behavior in After School (staff and children are engaged in warm, nurturing relationships; and programming is appropriate to developmental level of children); Professional Development Planning (staff compensation, project-based learning and curriculum and skill development); and Engaging Families (staff skill development). Organizations are prioritized based on the following criteria: strong organizational leadership, commitment to learning and program improvement, and overall program quality. BOSTnet uses tools such as self-assessments (program and staff), checklists, promising practices, and links to resources such as the BOSTnet Roundtable or other opportunities to improve program quality or capture innovation. This work is presented yearly at the BOSTnet Quality Forum (June 2009).
Cohort work detailed BOSTnet Improving Out-of-School Time Quality flowchart.
Programs Start by using the Quality Environments for Youth Program Assessment Tool developed by BOSTnet and the Evaluation Project Survey developed for 2008 2009 use. Participating programs recieved on-site survey prior to developing the action plan and leading up to working on their quality issues and presenting at the BOSTnet Quality Forum in June. Reflections on this field work will be provided thoughout this process at http://www.bostnet.blogspot.com BOSTnet presents finished and draft tools to stimulate innovation and provide OST directors with more on-line resources as well as create a more transparent process of refinement. These tools may be subject to copyright or are offered with a Creative Commons Copyright. To learn more please e-mail info@bostnet.org or call 617-720-1290 X230 or for permission to distribute.
