Publication Date

Fall 2018

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Antony D. Norman (Director), Randy Capps, and Matthew Foraker

Degree Program

Educational Leadership Doctoral Program

Degree Type

Doctor of Education

Abstract

The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (REAIM) evaluation framework, as first introduced by Glasgow, Vogt, and Boles (1999), offers a straightforward method for evaluating Extension related programs. In this study, the RE-AIM framework is used to evaluate the Kentucky Association of 4-H Extension Agents (KAE4-HA) annual conference by examining pre-existing organizational data and records that include the results from KAE4-HA post-conference surveys that had never been reviewed as part of a comprehensive program evaluation.

This dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter I provides an overview of the study. Chapter II reviews the history of Extension in Kentucky, program evaluation within the organizational context, and application of the RE-AIM framework. Chapter III discusses the relationship between storytelling and program evaluation, perspective and role of the researcher, the selected research design, data collection and procedures, and data analysis. Chapter IV provides a description of the program being evaluated and presents the results from the study related to each of the RE-AIM dimensions. Chapter V provides a summary of the study, discussion of the findings, recommendations for future practice and research, and a conclusion of the study.

In summary, this study concludes that a preponderance of evidence suggests the KAE4-HA annual conference has had a substantial role in the advancement of the 4-H profession in Kentucky. This study also concludes the RE-AIM evaluation framework is an effective tool for evaluating programs and communicating the results with program stakeholders.

Disciplines

Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

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