Kentucky Extension Agents conduct outstanding programs and provide excellent services that meet the needs of their counties.  However, many continue to consider evaluation as an after-thought instead of part of the planning process.  Therefore, they lack information related to behavior change and impact of their programs.

During 2018/2019 year, the Evaluation Specialist conducted Logic Model training every other month via Skype.  This has allowed her to work with small groups where agents reviewed and critiqued their current plans of work and success stories.  

Survey Basics Training (a series of 5 webinars) was conducted in the fall.  The series included an overview of survey considerations as it relates to Extension work, identifying samples, writing objectives and developing survey questions, survey modes and implementation, and analyzing results and sharing information.  Both agents and staff support participated.  Unfortunately, the Ag Communication specialist was unable to conduct the face-to-face follow up training.  

February Core Training included sessions on Evaluation and Teaching Methods.  New agents worked to develop a program plan with an evaluation tool to use in an upcoming presentation.  

As a result,

• Direct contacts with agents increased in relationship to developing evaluation and improving success stories
• More agents and their staff support are developing and conducting evaluations of programs
• Quality of success stories increased providing a broad range of topics shared in public value stories and UKNow articles