Whoever thinks data nerds are no fun clearly needs to work with the Improve Group. In the past six months we have had the wonderful opportunity to partner with the Hennepin County Library system to pilot some tools among youth and adult patrons. What makes this project so special is that in negotiating the challenges of drop-in patrons, we get to think through and test some of the more innovative approaches to data collection.
We have so far tested the following different tools (adapted):
Special education services are often as customized as possible for the students who need them. In fact, many schools now collaborate with families to create individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student who is eligible for special education services.
Recently, I attended a focus group training facilitated by Dr. Richard Krueger and Dr. Mary Anne Casey of the U of MN School of Public Health.
The Improve Group recently researched and analyzed the supplemental services of Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Group Residential Housing (GRH) Program. Through this program, housing is available to people with a wide spectrum of needs to prevent institutional residence or homelessness.
At the annual American Evaluation Association conference last year, I went to a compelling panel session that focused on how using both quantitative and qualitative data together is a powerful combination that helps evaluators capture both intended and unintended consequences of a program or project.
Several recent articles, listserv discussions, and American Evaluation Association conference sessions have explored where evaluation fits in complex systems.
Prior to joining the Improve Group as a Research Assistant in January 2013, I had a rather interesting employment history that provided me with a diverse set of experiences. Without a doubt, the most remarkable position I held was as a Process Service Coordinator at a private detective agency.
In 2013, the Improve Group conducted focus groups as part of many projects. Two of these projects include: the Minnesota DHS Community Services Input project and the Region 4 Mental Health Services Needs Assessment.
