by Leah Goldstein Moses

In our evaluation and strategic planning work, we are increasingly emphasizing "authentic" data when developing a design with our clients. What I mean by authentic data is that as often as possible, we ask people directly how they have experienced a service and changed as a result. When the people experiencing a service are young kids, or have a different language or cultural reference from the person who is doing the study, it is vitally important to check to make sure you are interpreting results correctly.

A recent study by the University of Minnesota shows the importance of authentic data in developing programs. Researchers at the medical school found that when they asked children directly about their experiences, they had very different responses then their parents.

Additional resources: Students Are Stakeholders, Too! Including Every Voice in Authentic High School Reform. Edie Holcomb.