OUTCOME MEASUREMENT TRAINING Logic Models Welcome and Introductions. Ask people to introduce themselves, and the organization they work with. Also state your history and experience in using outcomes, including if you have worked with logic models before.

OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY: Recognize and understand components of a logic model Learn how to create a logic model for a program Begin to understand how to use collected data and logic models to evaluate a program There is a lot I would like to cover today, but don’t want to rush the topic too much. We have three objectives, and I wanted to say first that the proposal for funding is NOT one of these objectives. We will not be talking directly about outcome objectives and the proposal. This workshop aims to provide training for developing outcomes for your programs, not fill out the form. The first bullet point will be more of me talking and going through a PowerPoint presentation and laying the foundation, but I want to keep you all engaged so feel free to ask questions at any time. We will also learn how to create a logic model for a program using your own programs, and depending on the time constraints there is an activity I would like to do at the end that addresses bullet three. Additionally, the information I am presenting to you today are almost entirely from United Way of America developed materials. They have one publication, Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach that is a widely used manual and I find it very helpful and informative. You may have seen or will see in the future information on logic models that may be slightly different from how I am showing you logic models today, but the concepts are the same. I’ll come back to that a little later. Please feel free to stop me and ask questions any time.

WHY USE OUTCOMES? For programs: Tell if the programs really makes a difference in the lives of people Help programs improve services We are obviously talking about Logic Models today, but I would to step back for a second and talk about outcomes. So why do we use outcomes?

Logic models = framework to examine outcomes. WHY USE LOGIC MODELS? Logic models = framework to examine outcomes. A logic model: Shows differences & connections between what we do and impact we are having Focuses on quality and continuous improvement Logic models are essentially an accountability measure for our outcome. We can develop outcomes, and collect data that we think shows we are achieving our outcomes, but that doesn’t really tell us if our programs are doing what we want them to. Or, it also doesn’t tell us if our outcome objectives are appropriate for a program’s available resources. Logic models help us figure all of that out. Logic models also help you develop outcome objectives for your program, so they serve many purposes.

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? “A program logic model is a description of how the program theoretically works to achieve benefits for participants.” United Way of America, Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach Read slide. An important key to logic models is that once you create a logic model for your program, it allows you to go back to see if the theory you are using really works.

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? A picture of the program A simple representation of the program “theory” which explains what the program is to accomplish A way to show relationships between what we put in, what we do, and what the results are Logic models are many other things.

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? Sequence of “if-then” relationships Core of program planning and evaluation University of Wisconsin - Extension Cooperative Extension

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? INPUTS Resources a program uses to achieve program objectives including staff time, materials, money, equipment, facilities, volunteer time I am now going to show you the elements of a logic model and what it looks like. A logic model begins with inputs and inputs are (read). When creating a logic model it is important to ask the “if-then” statement question. So “If we have these inputs, then...

What the program does with the inputs to fulfill its mission WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? INPUTS ACTIVITIES What the program does with the inputs to fulfill its mission A program can do these activities. And a activity is (read). Then if a program does these activities, then it will

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? INPUTS ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS Have outputs. Outputs are (read). Finally, these outputs lead to Outcomes. Products of program activities, such as classes taught, brochures distributed and participants served

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? OUTCOMES INPUTS ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS OUTCOMES This is what a logic model looks like. You may see logic models structured differently where activities come before inputs, but I like this better. Benefits for participants during and after program activities

CREATING A LOGIC MODEL FOR A PROGRAM Logic models are not difficult to develop assess program components that already exist, and apply them to achieve an intended outcome. Logic models can be developed from top-down bottom-up We are going to work together now to develop a logic model for one of your programs. These are two things I like to think about when I am doing a logic model, because they really are pretty flexible tools. Read bullet 1. Also, read bullet 2. That means that when you are doing a logic model you can either think about the final goal of what you would like to achieve, to work backwards to see how you are going to get there, or you can start with your inputs and move forward. I have included in the other packet some examples of logic models that you can look at later. Right now I would like all of you to turn to the second page which is the Program Logic Model.” I would like one of you to describe your program so we can develop a logic model for it.

WHAT ARE LOGIC MODELS? Program - Series of organized activities & resources aimed to help people make improvements in their lives Inputs - Resources a program uses to achieve program objectives including staff time, materials, money, etc. Activities - What the program does with the inputs to fulfill its mission Outputs - Products of program activities, such as classes taught, brochures distributed & participants served Outcomes - Benefits for participants during and after program activities Logic models utilize and take into account these different elements. There is a more comprehensive glossary of terms on the first page of your other handout.