LSC Technology Initiative Grant Conference 2015 | Session Materials - Demonstrating Accomplishments, Improving Services, and Fostering Replication

TIG Final Reports:Demonstrating Accomplishments, Improving Services, and

Fostering Replication

1. Evaluation Plan Draft - part of full TIG application now

2. Revisions and Approval of Evaluation Plan3. Evaluation Report Draft - part of last

milestone4. Revisions and Approval of Evaluation

Report

Evaluation Process

Pieces of an Evaluation Plan

● Defining Goals and Objectives - understanding the difference between the two

● Identifying strategies/activities● Identifying evaluation methods and

data sets

Demonstrating Accomplishments

● Toot your own horn!● Not just for us - for LSC; to show other stakeholders the

value of your work; and for other grant funding opportunities

● Outlining evaluation plan at the beginning of the project helps ○ refine scope ○ frame intended impact of the project○ improves implementation

● Translate data into impact● What lessons were learned, and what do they

mean for the future?● Generate data to identify value of the system for

improving program operations/client services

Improving Services

Fostering Replication

● Generate data to identify how/under what conditions the system works and strategies needed to make it work

● Thoroughly explaining data and methodologies used allows others to understand, replicate and improve upon your project

● Analysis of Accomplishments, Major Lessons and Recommendations help people understand why they might want to replicate and build upon your project

Plan for the Report● A thoughtful evaluation plan makes for a better report and project● Evaluation Plan should be the foundation for your work plan

○ Milestones have a different purpose● Refer to Evaluation Plan throughout implementation● Keep an Evaluation Plan folder (or use metadata tags)● Collect your data throughout the project● Plan extra time at the end to collect more data and write the first draft● Submit the first draft to LSC at least a month before it’s due

Kristin’s reflections

Planning for the Report Provides

Insights During the Project

Kristin’s reflections Help You Stay on Track or Change Direction.

Technicalities● Stay positive● Major accomplishments - most important section● Challenges and lessons - very close seconds● Know that it’s public● Follow directions: include all the necessary elements● Make it easy to read● Keep the substance in the body of the report● Keep the details in attachments● Look for insights

Kristin’s reflections

Report Insights | Usage

Kristin’s reflections

● Step back from the individual tools and see how they fit into the big picture of the services you are providing

● Contemplate and articulate HOW document assembly improves access to justice

● Can use it as a framework for evaluating all of your document assembly projects, not just those funded by TIG

● Encouraged getting feedback from a wider audience ● Why are some interviews finished more often than others?

Angela’s reflections

● Make it meaningful.● It’s all about that data, ‘bout that data.● Be creative about data sources -- go beyond your evaluation

plan. Fine-grained is good.● Pretend you’re talking to Congress or a major foundation● Don’t be modest.● Put your best points up front in the summary section.● Be as brief as you can. Page maximums are not expectations!

Jonathan’s reflections

In addition to the tips already presented,

● Be reasonable in your expectations!● Create your evaluation plan from the perspective of your future self

writing a final report: what information will you want to cite? (And be able to produce?)

● Make sure there is enough time after project completion to gather enough data for evaluation.

● Remember that your reports are public record

Tips for a Successful Report

Resources

● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/evaluation-plans - everything you need to know about the evaluation plan process

● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/final-reports - includes final project report form template

● http://tig.lsc.gov/grants/replicable-projects - samples of final reports of replicable projects

● Kristen Verrill, Practice Innovation Manager, Atlanta Legal Aid Society

● Angela Tripp, Project Manager, Michigan Legal Help Program

● Jonathan Pyle, Contract Performance Officer, Philadelphia Legal Assistance

Thanks!