Lessons From the Field: Developing a Multisite Divorce Education Evaluation Tool. Issue 5 (19th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Markham, Melinda Stafford; Ferraro, Anthony J.; Russell, Luke T.; Beckmeyer, Jonathon J.; Zimmermann, McKenzie L.; Guyette, Erin; Pippert, Hilary D.
• Is Part Of: Family relations. Volume 70:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 1657
• Page End: 1663
• Publication Date: 2021-07-19
• Subjects: Divorce -- divorce education -- program evaluation; Families -- Periodicals; Family life education -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; 306.85
• DOI: 10.1111/fare.12575
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-6664

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: In this Lessons from the Field, we describe the lessons we learned from developing the Divorce Education Assessment Collaborative (DEAC) and creating a longitudinal evaluation plan for divorce education programs across geographically, programmatically, and format‐diverse programs. Background: Although divorce education programs are commonly mandated for divorcing parents, variability in program content, format, and design can make it difficult to determine the efficacy of such programs. We contend developing a standardized evaluation tool, and making it freely available to programs, is essential for identifying best practices and moderators of program effectiveness. Experience: Members of the DEAC share their experiences and insights regarding successes and challenges in coordinating and collaborating to develop an evaluation tool that is concise, but provides key information about program effectiveness and participants' program experiences. Conclusion: Identifying and bringing together an idea champion, invested stakeholders, and critical resources (e.g., seed funding, teleconferencing, document collaboration software) were key components in the development of an effective multisite divorce education evaluation tool. Implications: The strategies used to develop the DEAC may serve as a model for collaborative projects that bridge practice and research.