The evaluation of the Boston Connects project began in June 2002. From the beginning it was apparent that the evaluation would contend with a complex set of variables and processes. The inherent complexity associated with the development and implementation of community-school initiatives is widely recognized (See for example Walker & Arbetron, 2001; Walker, Grossman, Raley, Fellerath, & Hotton, 2000; Lawson & Briar-Lawson, 1997; Annie Casey Foundation, 1995). For this reason, the evaluation of Boston Connects employs a flexible research strategy to assess the impact of the program.

The Boston Connects evaluation consists of two components: outcome evaluation and process evaluation. Outcome evaluation assesses program success in terms of results or accomplishments (e.g. number of service agencies utilized by Cluster 5 schools, number of students receiving support services, test scores). Process evaluation attempts to describe and provide insight into the dynamics of everyday program operations (Patton, 1987). This type of evaluation helps identify how different program components function at the "ground level."

By incorporating a variety of data sources and research strategies, the evaluation of Boston Connects is able to assess the impact of the project through the documentation and analysis of program development, implementation, and outcomes.

Annie Casey Foundation (1996). Getting smart, getting real: Using research and evaluation information to improve programs and policies. Retrieved from www.aecf.org/publications/data/getsmartgetreal.pdf

Lawson, H. & Briar-Lawson, K. (1997). Connecting the dots: Progress toward the integration of school reform, school-linked services, parent involvement and community schools. Oxford, Ohio: Miami University.

Walker, K.E. & Arbreton, A.J.A. (2001). Working together to build Beacon Centers in San Francisco: Evaluation findings from 1998-2000. A Publication by Public/Private Ventures. Retrieved on June 19, 2003 from www.ppv.org/content/reports/beacons.html.

Walker, K.E., Grossman, J.B., Raley, R., Fellerath, V., & Holton, G.L. (2000). Extended service schools: Putting programming in place. Public/Private Ventures Report. Retrieved on May 20, 2003 from www.ppv.org/pdffiles/ess.pdf.