Create a logic model to explicitly connect your activities and goals

When starting a program, there’s an impulse to jump right into planning activities. Similarly, with evaluation design, people tend to focus on data collection. But how will you know what activities and which data are going to be most relevant and useful? Use a logic model to clarify the connections between your planned activities and desired goals so you can focus the evaluation process on important questions.

Resources

SAMPLE MATERIAL Draft Logic Models for Two Magnet Programs (.pdf 151.3 KB)

Review these two examples to get ideas and insights about how to develop your own logic model.

TOOL Checklist: Critical Elements in a High-Quality Logic Model (.doc 106 KB)

Preview 15 elements that can help you identify strengths and potential gaps in your logic model.

TOOL Using Existing Documents to Develop Your Logic Model (.doc 111.5 KB)

See how a logic model differs from, but can be informed by the program documents you have already created.

SAMPLE MATERIAL Testing Your Logic Model Against SMART and FIT Goals (.pdf 800.4 KB)

Improve your logic model by taking a closer look at your outputs and outcomes using well-established principles.

TOOL Differentiating Outputs From Outcomes (.doc 103.5 KB)

Learn about the differences and the important connections between outputs and outcomes to help you develop a better plan for evaluation.

TOOL Logic Model Template (.doc 325.5 KB)

Use this template to help you draft a logic model once you are familiar with the components and process involved in developing one.

Extra Resources for MSAP Rigorous Evaluation

If you are funded by an MSAP grant to conduct a rigorous evaluation, you are required to submit a logic model as part of your initial, interim, and final reports.
A good logic model articulates what the new experimental program is supposed to do when implemented appropriately, how that will impact teacher practice and student experience and, ultimately, how that will lead to your desired outcomes.
When different partners are conducting the MSAP regular evaluation and rigorous evaluation, use the logic model as a communication tool to bridge your studies of program implementation and impact.

REMEMBER

“ The beauty of a logic model is that it will pinpoint precisely the kind of data you need to start collecting from day one. Schools and districts tend to collect enormous amounts of data, but it’s not always easy to figure out what’s useful. ”

—Bernice Taylor, Bernice Taylor & Associates

PITFALL

Don’t think of a logic model as just a worksheet or filling-in-the-blanks activity you can complete by yourself. A common mistake is creating one without engaging key stakeholders in conversation to test assumptions and generate a shared understanding for your collective efforts.

PITFALL

Don’t expect a newly formed or divided group to be able to develop a logic model in one meeting. It takes time to produce and refine the thinking behind a meaningful logic model.