ISU Extension Futuring Committee:
Action Plan 2 Resource Materials

New Programs and Services

FY05 Client Participation Goals

FY04 web site visitors for all web sites hosted by ISU Extension server: 7,093,985

Action Step Updates

1.   Area and program directors will define knowledge-based, new program thrusts, and evidence-based by September 30, 2004.

Done Sept. 13, 2004

Definitions:

• New Program Thrust -- a new program, initiative, service or target audience that was not previously in the plan of work.

• Knowledge-based programs – programs that are research based with a theoretical component and/or have been empirically tested.

• Evidence-based programs -- have systematic and documented observations.
  • Focus is on the quality of the research used to evaluate programs.
  • Programs are based on a clearly articulated and empirically-supported theory.
  • Have a detailed description of the intervention and measurement design - what outcomes were produced in what populations with what interventions
  • Have measureable outcomes that have been assessed with psychometrically strong measures, including long term follow-ups, where indicated
  • Have been tested in a scientifically-sound way with comparison conditions, optimally through randomized, controlled studies.

    At the present time, ISU Extension has only created one evidenced-based program, the ISU E Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14.

  A PowerPoint presentation, Translating Evidence into Action, is available with additional information on evidence-based programs. [400K Microsoft PowerPoint file, 28 Slides]

2.   Area and program directors will review current program plan-of-work process to ensure a systematic approach that allows for new program initiatives, marketing strategies, and resource generation by December 31, 2004.

On December 13, AEEDs and PDs reviewed a timeline and process proposal that will accomplish this action step.  (Final Program Planning Proposal, January 13, 2005 [available as a 40K Microsoft Word document. Also see Program Planning Model, 30K Word document] )

3.   Program directors will list current programming and base budget reallocation projections for FY06 by January 31, 2005. 

4.   Program directors, working with faculty, will verify the knowledge-base component of programs within the plan-of-work.

Families Extension has gone through its list of current programs and verified the knowledge base.  Families Extensions staff at November 2004 in-service reviewed the knowledge base on 7 new and 10 expanded Families program offerings. 

Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension will verify the knowledge base of current and new programs during spring 2005.  This and other program planning work will be completed by convening the plan-of-work committees. 

The ad hoc Committee on Restructuring of Communities has a major focus on program content and delivery and is also specifically reviewing the knowledge base of that content. Additionally, the new C.E.D. program will have strong linkages and integrated programs with the Vice Provost for Research on Economic Development.

Extension 4-H Youth Development will verify the knowledge base of current and new programs during spring 2005. 

5.   Area and program directors will articulate needs assessment methods that will guide development of plan-of-work by Spring 2005.

Refer to Program Planning Proposal, January 13, 2005 (see links above).

Future Talk presentations by program units for use with county councils for needs assessment can be found at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/families/staff/staffonly/futuretalk.html