Community Data, Analysis and Evaluation

Community Data, Analysis and Evaluation

Community Data, Analysis and Evaluation

Community Data and Analysis

Effective community leadership and development activities often rely on assessing and tracking the status of community conditions. Community data provides context for understanding and documenting the status of community change. In addition, processes for documenting, measuring, and evaluating change are important tools for community development efforts.

Primary Department contacts:

Dr. Julie N. Zimmerman

Dr. Kenneth Jones

Kentucky: By The Numbers
Dr. Julie N. Zimmerman, Author/Director
This website hosts Kentucky county data reports and information on how to use them. Includes links and Information for agents including Links to Additional Data Sites, Publications, Information on Finding and Using Data from the Internet, and Secondary Data Profiles from the Extension Community Assessment

Evaluation: Everyone Has a Role
Dr. Kenneth Jones, Author
Although there are a number of definitions for "evaluation," in basic terms, it is simply the process of determining whether a program is producing desired results. To meet the requirements of reporting and accountability, businesses, organizations and agencies must understand how to best measure the success of a program.

Participatory Evaluation: Engaging Stakeholders in the Process
Dr. Kenneth Jones, Author
In this age of accountability, organizations, agencies and individuals alike are held at higher standards to show their programs can make a difference. Hence, evaluation is a critical component of programming, whether it serves the development and implementation process or provides the results of a project funded by a grant.

Impact Programming During the Pandemic: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities for Extension (Recorded Webinar)
Dr. Kenneth Jones, Moderator
Want to learn what Extension colleagues in other states are doing in relation to COVID-19 programming? This moderated webinar shares best practices from Extension systems around the country that are having a big impact.
 

Ripple Effect Mapping: A Fun, Participatory, Story-Based Method for Evaluating a Major Community-Based Initiative or Network
Dr. Nicole Breazeale, Heather Hyden, and Dr. Annette Heisdorffer, Authors
Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) is a story-based methods for program evaluation that is used by Extension systems around the country. In Kentucky, Nicole Breazeale has conducted REM sessions with county 4-H leaders, Master Gardener groups, economic development networks, and a team of community engagement specialists. In addition to facilitation support, Nicole provides train-the-trainer professional development for leaders who have participated in her sessions and want to expand the use of REM in their community. This recorded Agent in-service introduces the method and can be used alongside the Extension publication.

Recorded Webinar

Contact Information

Dr. Wes Harrison, Ph.D.
Department Chair

500 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

(859) 562-2788