Evaluation

Committed and Comprehensive

The BERC Group brings experience and an extensive knowledge base to any evaluation project.  We offer customized evaluations that are specific to the needs of any grant, initiative, or site. BERC staff members maintain clear, open communication with program administrators.  Through open and effective communication, we help project leaders clarify project goals, identify data sources, and define the evaluation process.   

The goal of all evaluations is to inform and inspire the work under review. We produce honest and contextualized reports that describe the outcomes and driving forces involved in the program.

Quantitative and Qualitative

BERC evaluations are quantitative and qualitative in nature.  Multiple data systems, specific to evaluation goals, are triangulated and contextualized to produce the most in depth and accurate evaluation report possible. 

Data gathered for evaluations can include:

  • Transcripts: High School transcripts are often analyzed to look at academic rigor, college eligibility and course taking patterns.  This information can be disaggregated in terms of gender, ethnicity, free or reduced lunch, and more.
  • Course handbooks: Course Handbooks can be analyzed to see if courses offered to students are Below Standard, At Standard, or Above Standard.  This information can be tracked over time to see how changes effect academic achievement.
  • National Indicators:  Standardized testing scores such as SAT, ACT, AP, and WASL can be tracked and analyzed over time.
  • Classroom Observations: We conduct classroom observations, using the STAR Classroom Observation Protocol, to determine the extent to which Powerful Teaching and Learning exists within a school. To triangulate these data, teacher and student STAR surveys are also available.
  • Focus Groups:  BERC evaluators gather qualitative data through focus groups with administrators, teachers, students and parents to gain an understanding of the program. This information is used to triangulate quantitative data.
  • Surveys:  Surveys can be given to various groups including staff, students, parents, and administrators to gain perception data concerning a  program. Information gathered helps contextualize the impact of the evaluated program.

High School Graduates: We can track students using our College Tracking Data System (CTDS) to determine college going and persistence rates.

For more information on our evaluation work please use our Contact Form