Northstar provides
objective, impartial reviews of the Workplace and Community Transition
Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders Program (IYO) grant. Outside
evaluations assist states in meeting the following grant requirement as
stated in the grant guidance:
Annually
report to the Secretary and the Attorney General on the results of the
evaluations conducted using the methods and performance measures contained
in the proposal.
Evaluation methodology typically involves
biannual observations of programming, management, data, and fiscal
procedures. Approximately mid-year, following observations of the program,
Northstar will submit an informal report to your state's IYO manager to be
used internally. This report will identify commendations and recommendations
to ready personnel for a more formal year-end report which is submitted
directly to the USDE with a copy also provided to the IYO manager.
Observations may occur in February and September, as the federal fiscal year
is October 1 to September 30.
Observations will examine the following:
• identification and placement of eligible students
• competencies connected to each course offered with IYO funds
• appropriate post secondary certification of instructors providing IYO
programming
• site facilitation procedures
• registration and course completion procedures
• anecdotal student satisfaction and application of courses
• fiscal accountability regarding spending caps
• records and data tracking methods and reliability
• student achievement results
• accurate reporting of student participation and completion, student
achievement, job placement, and recidivism
• compliance with direct instruction and related services
• annual draw down of funds to demonstrate need
Northstar uses
an observation rubric employing a common set of data based on grant
guidance, statutory regulations, and all trainings provided by the U.S.
Department of Education (USDE). This measurement tool is provided to states
in advance after contract confirmation. Northstar works closely with USDE
to remain apprised of changes and nuances concerning grant authorization and
legal interpretations of statutory regulations. Additionally, in the course
of providing correctional education consulting nationwide, Northstar also
has the opportunity to observe correctional education practices that are
particularly effective and replicable.
How much do evaluations cost?
Northstar will provide a cost quote to
your state. Such factors as number of program participants, geographic
separation of institutions, accessibility to records, and required time
commitment determine the cost of evaluations. Typically, Northstar will ask
you a few questions about your program and then provide a written quote for
two consultants to travel to your state, inclusive of two (mid-year and
year-end) two- to four-day visits per year and travel. When provided a
written quote from Northstar, you can depend on us sticking to it--nothing
added later. Evaluations for smaller state populations begin around $8,000
and most are within 5-10% of your federal grant award.
\
