TCU Assessment: Process for Seeking Deeper Understanding Lisa A. Guion, Ed.D. Professor of Agricultural and Extension Education State Leader for Program Development for Extension NC State University, Raleigh, NC

PLANNING

Intense Planning Was Required Several conference calls with the NPL’s to discuss the project and process to be used to implement it Document Review- read lots of reports and other documents to provide background information Literature Review- read scholarly publications to learn more about conducting indigenous assessments

Planning Continued Developed methodology for the assessment that was reviewed and approved by NPL’s (qualitative) -Focus Group & Interviewing Developed implementation plan and timeline along with NPL’s -Regional focus group, Telephone Interviewing & Interviewing at FALCON Developed questions to focus the assessment that were revised and approved by NPL’s

IMPLEMENTATION

Action: Gathering Information Guiding Principles Confidentiality Respect Relationship Reciprocity

Two Focus Group Sessions Held Coordinated focus groups (Thanks John) Stone Child College (Thanks Mary Ruth) Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (Thanks Joan) Total of 20 individuals participated from 9 different TCU’s (Thanks participants)

Overview of Focus Group Questions The general questions assess: Views on the NIFA/TCU partnership Outlook on partnership between 1994, 1890 and 1862 Land-grant Institutions Opinions on partnership between TCU’s in the state Views on partnership between research, teaching and extension at individual’s TCU Examine what weakens partnership and what can strengthen it (what NIFA can do and TCU’s can do)

Overview of Focus Group Questions Related to 4 Grant Programs For all 4 programs, questions assess: View of the grant program RFA (e.g. priority issues, culturally relevant) Barriers in policies or procedures & recommendations Whether additional support what needed and what type specifically Specific professional development needs *There were also questions that were unique to each grant program

Organization of the Questions Designed to glean as much from your wisdom, insights, perspectives and experiences in the limited time (one day for focus group, one for interview) Flow of questions- each question built upon the prior to get a more comprehensive understanding

Focus Group Sessions Appreciated the opening prayer from the Elders at each site Very engaging, open discussion Very productive full day (9ish – 4pm) I learned a lot and look forward to learning more

One-on-One Interviewing Purpose is to gather more information No telephone interviews Face to Face here at FALCON Interview Schedule and Sign Up Process Synthesize this data with focus group data

Analysis Data Source Triangulation- search for themes and patterns in comments among different individuals Methodological Triangulation- use different methods to verify, validate, clarify and/or expand upon themes and patterns Validity-Findings accurately reflecting themes/patterns Utility- Strategies and recommendations

Written Report Due December 31, 2009 Some reports end up on the shelf or in a box collecting dust NOT THIS ONE! I do believe there is commitment! Stimulate more dialog.

“If you don’t know where you are going, any place will do.”