Evaluating KSSN 

An extensive formal evaluation plan will help determine the effectiveness of KSSN at each school.  The evaluation will gather data on each of our measures:
•    Increased support of students and families
•    Increased student achievement
•    Improved attendance/fewer students moving
•    Less teaching time spent managing social/health issues
•    Increased access to and referrals for services
•    Increased parent involvement in school
•    Increased community quality of life

Public Policy Associates, Incorporated (PPA) of Lansing, Michigan was asked by KSSN to provide both formative and summative evaluation support. The evaluation of KSSN is designed to answer a number of strategic research questions: 

• How is KSSN designed to address the multiple needs of students and their families?
• What is the nature of collaboration among program partners?  What motivated them to participate in KSSN?  
• How has the collaboration among project partners evolved over time?  How does this contribute to the overall success of the Initiative?
• To what extent is KSSN effective in overcoming barriers to student learning?
• Is the KSSN effective in addressing the health and behavioral barriers to learning among students from low-income families?
• Is KSSN an effective strategy for coordinating the delivery of services to students and their families?
• Is KSSN effective in increasing the academic achievement of students in the participating schools?
• Do the outcomes of KSSN warrant the investment made in implementing and operating it?  
• What are the implications of KSSN for other schools in the Grand Rapids area?  In Michigan as a whole?
• Are there any barriers related to policy or practice that need to be addressed to facilitate broader-scale implementation of the CSI in other communities within the state?