Research for Better Schools

Recent Evaluation Projects

Title: Skills for Life Program

Sponsor/Funder: Philadelphia Housing Authority

Target Audience: Philadelphia Housing Authority and Greater Philadelphia Family Settlements

Collaborating Agencies: None

Dates: 2004 - 2005

Description: RBS is conducting a systematic program evaluation of the process (formative evaluation) and impact (summative evaluation) of the Skills for Life (SFL) program. The evaluation is assessing the impact of services on approximately 200 public school students, aged 14 to 18 years, who live in public and assisted housing in Philadelphia, and are enrolled in the program. The primary goal of the SFL program is to provide youth with access to the academic skills and support they need to successfully graduate from high school. In addition, the SFL program exposes youth to a range of available post high school options to help them explore educational and employment opportunities.

Evaluation activities are designed to assess the program's three components: (1) academic related services, (2) pre-employment related services, and (3) case management services. Collection of both quantitative and qualitative process and outcome data for this evaluation includes a review of existing program documents including forms used to track enrollment and demographic information, program attendance and participation rates, standardized test scores, school grades, and case management activity. RBS has designed and is implementing protocols for conducting structured and unstructured interviews and/or focus groups with program administration, staff, students, and past participants to examine the strengths and limitations of the SFL program.

Outcomes: None Available

Products and/or Web Links:

  • Cleveland, D., Campbell, D.B., & Feldman, J.M. (February 2005). Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) Skills for Life Interim Evaluation Report , Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.

New Search