the what, why, and how of programs of distinction presented by: suzanne le menestrel, national 4-h...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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
Practice Makes Perfect!
Scoring 4-H Explorer