|
 Summer Reading Program Evaluation
On a rapid response basis for the Corporation for National Service (CNS), Macro evaluated the Summer Reading Initiative. As part of former President Clinton's America Reads initiative, 15 AmeriCorps programs were delivering tutoring in summer reading projects. To obtain a quick appraisal of the results, Macro reviewed the literature on tutoring and investigated the models adopted by the AmeriCorps programs. Our study collected descriptive and evaluative information about each program to assess implementation, effectiveness, and potential outcomes. Data were collected from tutors, students, and parents as well as the program staff. CNS presented the final written report of results to the White House. Macro also assessed the impact of the AmeriCorps Leaders Program (ACLP) on members (program participants).
CNS used these results to improve its leadership initiatives.
Peace Corps Awareness and Perceptions Survey
To respond to President George W. Bush's call to double the number of Peace Corps volunteers worldwide by 2007, Macro partnered with the Peace Corps to establish a baseline measurement of the organizational awareness and perceptions among U.S. adults. Using Caravan®, Macro's weekly omnibus survey, we designed a questionnaire and fielded it to produce results nationally and within key demographic segments.
Special Education Service Center Management
Macro established and operates a Parent Special Education Service Center for the District of Columbia (DC) Public Schools system. This approach to involving parents in the placement of their children within special education services is a first in the United States. Parents contact a call center to express concerns and request services to which center personnel respond directly or within 48 hours, and maintain regular contact through resolution. The service center is equipped to handle calls in English, Spanish, and seven Asian languages. Macro is conducting broad media marketing to make this service widely available in the DC community.
|