the what, why, and how of programs of distinction presented by: suzanne le menestrel, national 4-h...

The What, Why, and How of Programs of Distinction

Presented by: Suzanne Le Menestrel, National 4-H Headquarters, USDA

With Sharon Anderson and Gregg Tabachow, National 4-H CouncilLisa Dennis, University of Maryland

March 17, 2008

•Overview of Programs of Distinction•Benefits•Overview of the Family Strengthening Awards •Perspective of an Award Winner•Submission and Scoring Process•Review of Training Manuscript •Discussion and Q & A

Overview

Peer-reviewed program descriptions that reflect the high

quality of Extension youth development programs around the

country

Programs of Distinction are:

“An organized, purposeful set of activities designed to achieve positive youth development outcomes.”

Definition of a Program:

•Exhibit strong program development characteristics•Contribute to the body of knowledge about youth development•Convey new ideas, materials, or innovative methods•Demonstrate evidence of effectiveness

Programs of Distinction Must:

Why Programs of Distinction?

Designed to help Extension Professionals:

•Communicate the high quality of youth development programs•Assist others in improving their practices in positive youth development•Better understand and promote the nature of scholarship in their work•Submit program outcomes through peer-evaluated format•Tell the story of 4-H and other Extension youth development programs

•National recognition•Eligibility for seminar presentation at NAE4-HA•Detailed feedback provided by peers•Opportunity for program improvement and enhancement of written communication skills•Wonderful addition to professional file or resume•Ability to generate reports for local and state funders and policy makers

Benefits to Submitters:

And, Several National Awards!

• 4-H Families Count Family Strengthening Awards

• Jim Duncan Outstanding Program of Distinction Award

• MetLife Citizenship Awards• 4-H Natural Resources

Conservation Award

Overview of Family Strengthening Awards

• Sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore, MD; presented by National 4-H Council

• Five $15,000 cash awards (not grants)• Programs significantly involve families—connect

families to social networks, economic opportunities and/or services and support

Overview of Family Strengthening Awards

• Especially focused on disadvantaged families that live in rural areas (population of 50,000 or less)

• Programs must have been in existence for at least one evaluation cycle

• Program must be connected to land-grant university and show a youth/adult partnership

• Programs must show a strong possibility of sustainability

How to Apply for Family Strengthening Awards

• Step 1– Programs of Distinction certification from National 4-H

Headquarters• Step 2

– Complete and attach Family Strengthening application to POD document brief

• Application found at www.fourhcouncil.edu/4HFamiliesProgram.aspx

– Application must include:• A letter of endorsement from State 4-H Program

Leader or Extension Director/Administrator• Supplemental Materials—up to 4 pages• 3 references

Family Strengthening Awards Application Due Date

• Applications are due to National 4-H Council by May 23, 2008– Applications should be emailed to

familyawards@fourhcouncil.edu

Expectations of Family Strengthening Award Winners

• Attend NAE4-HA/Galaxy Conference (expenses paid) and participate in awards presentation and seminar

• Present best practice training in at least five individual and unique settings

Step 1: Download submission form and guidelines from the National 4-H Headquarters site:

http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.htm

Programs of Distinction database Tips from Peer ReviewersLink to 4-H Families Count Family Strengthening Awards

Overview of Submission Process:

Step 2: Submit manuscript directly to National 4-H Headquarters Manuscripts are accepted on a continuous basis.All manuscripts submitted electronically using the Programs of Distinction submission form available online.

Step 3: Submitters receive a “receipt” e-mail acknowledging that the manuscript was received (state leader will be copied)

Step 4: Identifying information (e.g., city, state, names, websites) is removed from the manuscript in order to ensure a blind review

Step 5: The “blind” manuscript is sent to three reviewers with experience in the selected category(ies)

Step 6: Reviewers are asked to complete their reviews within two weeks

Step 7: Submitters receive reviewer comments and notification of the status of their submission within four weeks from the date the manuscript was received

75 program content points+

25 readability points

___________________________ = 100 possible points

Scoring Process

Final Recommendations

•Publish as a designated POD•Publish as a designated POD with minor revisions•Ask submitter to revise and resubmit – needs major revisions•Reject as POD

ScoresAt least 2

publish

At least 2 minor or publish At least 2 major

At least 2 major or reject

2 or more ≥ 90

CSREES makes grammatical edits

- publish

CSREES works with submitter to

make minor revisions - publish N/A N/A

2 or more ≥ 80

CSREES works with submitter to make minor revisions - publish

Submitter makes suggested revisions and returns to one peer reviewer

no pass - CSREES communicates needed changes to submitter - resubmit

no pass - CSREES communicates needed changes to submitter - resubmit

2 or more ≥ 70 N/A N/A

no pass - CSREES communicates needed changes to submitter - resubmit

no pass - CSREES communicates needed changes to submitter - resubmit

2 or more ≤ 70 N/A N/A

no pass - CSREES communicates needed changes to submitter - resubmit

reject with offer to send comments

Helpful Suggestions

•Reviewers are looking for something originalExample: serves a unique audience

•Find something unique about your program

•Share your draft with colleagues first for a fresh pair of eyes•Keep your state leader in the loop!•Please keep open communication with us! •Look at POD’s already on the website.

Current Programs of Distinction

43 programs accepted into the databasePrograms are from the following states:

• Arkansas• Arizona (2)• California• Colorado (3)• Florida • Georgia (2)• Kentucky• Iowa• Louisiana• Maryland• Michigan (3)• Minnesota

• Missouri• Montana (2)• Nebraska (2)• Nevada• New Jersey (9)• North Dakota• Oregon (4)• Pennsylvania• South Carolina• Utah• Washington• Wisconsin

Contact InformationSuzanne Le Menestrelslemenestrel@csrees.usda.gov202-720-2297

Maria Arnoldmarnold@csrees.usda.gov202-720-8857

pod@csrees.usda.gov

Practice Makes Perfect!

Scoring 4-H Explorer