Explore the reports, books, and other publications produced by the QTurn team and provides a foundation of our work and passion.
Theory and Evidence for Quality Improvement Systems and Lower-Stakes Accountability in the Out-of-School Time Sector
This decade-long project was focused on scaling an education policy innovation called quality improvement systems (QIS). QIS are a type of performance-based accountability system (PBAS) that is guided by a lower-stakes design for QIS participant experience. Lower-stakes designs optimize staff expertise and performance using positive-reinforcing informational incentives that are a good with collaborative and data-driven organizational cultures in the education fields. Place-based QIS designs have been successful and sustained in conditions of public sector outsourcing, mixed public-private networks, and performance measurement that characterize “new public management.”
Pattern-Centered Methodology for Cross-level Effects and Within-Level Interactions
This project explored the potential of pattern-centered methodology to provide a cost-effective approach to addressing s two key challenges for performance data produced through QIS: (1) Effects are produced through cross-level cascade from network to organization to point-of-service to individual learner (e.g., unit of analyses problems for linear models) and (2) point of service level environments (e.g., classrooms) entail a complex integration of higher order interactions (e.g., Cronbach’s hall of mirrors problem of unidentified subgroups). These papers identify a key performance indicator – membership in the low-quality profile for quality of instruction – and then use pattern-centered methods to link low quality instruction to both manager practices and child/youth engagement with instruction.
SEL Performance Standards, Measures, and Benchmarks
This project used a mixed methods approach to identify best practice standards, develop a suite of performance measures, and establish performance benchmarks – for teacher practices and youth skills in the area of social and emotional learning (SEL).
Evaluation Exemplars from QIS Data
This project includes papers from school-based QIS - 21st CCLC systems in Michigan and Oklahoma; school district-based summer learning programs Seattle, Denver, and St. Paul - to demonstrate the types of performance evaluations that are possible using QIS data.
Policy and Evidence
This project includes papers discuss the challenges for average-effects impact designs social-address covariates to detect effects in afterschool programs. Performance measurement designs are offered as cost-effective alternative source of evidence.
Observational Assessment Methodology
This project includes papers on validation of observational measures of instruction in afterschool, child care, and youth programs.