Projects: Intervention Programs & Support

Evaluation of the Early Childhood Program (ECP), Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). In the first phase of this evaluation, Public Works investigated the immediate effects of ECP, a pre-Kindergarten program targeting the academic, social, and emotional development of children ages three and four. Using a combination of interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, and surveys, the evaluation assessed ECP in terms of its ability to prepare children for Kindergarten through an examination of program curriculum, intake and assessment procedures, instructional materials and resources, and interactions with parents. In the second phase of the evaluation, Public Works analyzed quantitative measures of student achievement for ECP graduates compared to Head Start participants and PUSD students not involved in either early childhood program. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analyses isolated the independent effects of ECP participation on students' standardized test scores controlling for demographic factors, grade level, and attendance.

Evaluation of PasadenaLEARNs and LACOE After-School Program, Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). Public Works is evaluating the effectiveness of a County, State and Federally-funded after school program in operation at fifteen PUSD elementary and middle schools, called PasadenaLEARNs and LACOE After-school. Evaluation strands include examinations of program implementation, student community involvement and leadership, and academic impact. Evaluation methods include site visits and interviews, survey analyses (K-2, 3-5, 5-8 student surveys, parent surveys, teacher surveys and provider survey), development of student-level database for program coordination and record-keeping, administration pre/post assessments of student literacy and mathematics achievement, leadership assessment and homework log. The evaluation includes selecting a control sample at each school site to compare to the after-school population in terms of student performance on measures such as SAT-9, New Standards Reference Exam, attendance and discipline.

Needs Assessment of Teen Program on Domestic Violence for Haven Hills and KYDS. Through a grant from the California Department of Health Services (DHS), Maternal and Child Health Branch/Domestic Violence, Public Works, Inc. and O'Mally International were contract to develop a plan for a two-year project that deals with the problems of relationship abuse among young people, ages 14-22, in West San Fernando Valley. Conducted a focused needs assessment that identified available programs and/or gaps in services; selected some strategies for intervention and prevention, and decided on workable solutions to set up a successful project. Techniques included one-on-one interviews, focus groups and surveys with teen clients of battered women's shelters, staff from battered women's shelters, like Haven Hills, staff from youth-serving agencies, like KYDS, and youth and adults from our local community. Work resulted in a Work Plan and Evaluation Plan.

Evaluation System for the Alumni House, Casey Family Foundation and Transition Partners. Public Works, Inc. is developing an intake and evaluation procedure for the Alumni House in Pasadena. The Alumni House provides housing, social services, job search and other information and support to graduate of foster care who are beginning to live independently. Strategies include a needs assessment of foster care youth in independent living programs, graduate of foster care, and community-based organizations providing service. After the needs assessment, intake procedures and data systems will be developed with a focus on user-friendly, limited burden systems. A process and outcome evaluation on effectiveness of services and activities delivered in under development.

Evaluation of Angel Gate Academy, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Public Works evaluated the Angel Gate Academy, a joint program between LAUSD, the National Guard and Cuesta Community College aimed at intervening with at-risk middle school students in a quasi-military, four-week experience. Evaluation methods included intensive focus groups with students and National Guard personnel, written student surveys, parent telephone interviews, transcript analysis and interview/observation techniques. A final report documenting program success and areas for further improvement was developed.

Evaluation of Pilot Special Education Project, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Public Works evaluated a pilot joint venture at Los Angeles Mission College providing work-based learning and career education for special education students 18-21 years old and classified as Mentally Retarded Moderate (MRM) or Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Public Works examined the implementation of the Center for Advanced Transition Skills Program is terms of its ability to provide participating students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills related to a potential career and place them on a job related to classroom instruction. Interview with program staff, employers, and students were the primary methods used to provide an interim report aimed at improving this pilot program. In the second phase of the evaluation, Public Works will evaluate student records and outcomes of program completers in the areas of basic and social skills through the analysis of test scores, transcripts and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as well as examine barriers to student employment.