Finding hidden value through mixed-methodology: Lessons From the Discovery Program’s Holistic Approach to Truancy Abatement

Policy makers often bemoan the shortcomings and inefficiency of youth development and similar social work programs whose effectiveness cannot be demonstrated by quantifiable performance indicators. This study argues, through illustration of the Odyssey Learning Center’s Discovery Program (an alterna...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Ventura, Holly E. (Author) ; Miller, J. Mitchell (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2005
In: American journal of criminal justice
Year: 2005, Volume: 30, Issue: 1, Pages: 99-120
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Keywords:
Juvenile Delinquency
Program Staff
Program Participant
Delinquent Behavior
Holistic Approach
Description
Summary:Policy makers often bemoan the shortcomings and inefficiency of youth development and similar social work programs whose effectiveness cannot be demonstrated by quantifiable performance indicators. This study argues, through illustration of the Odyssey Learning Center’s Discovery Program (an alternative school serving rural Southern youth in an abject poverty context), that program value can only be evidenced through a mixed-methodological evaluation design. Reasons precluding traditional statistical analysis and effectiveness determinations are discussed and alternative conceptualizations of program value are considered.
ISSN:1936-1351
DOI:10.1007/BF02885884