Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song

A Logic Model
to describe this initiative and outline how we expect it to make a difference for participants

An Evaluation Plan
to outline how we will know if were achieving our intended outcomes

September, 2007

MISSION
The mission of Elders Wisdom Childrens Song is to strengthen community spirit and to foster reconciliation by honoring the dignity, hard work, and resiliency of people from communities across the United States.

ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING OUR WORK (How and why do we expect our activities to lead to the outcomes we desire? What beliefs do we hold about our work?) Oral storytelling is a powerful and effective tool to help children learn about cultural history and to develop a sense of community. Project-based initiatives like Elders Wisdom Childrens Song makes learning history, geography, creative writing, and critical thinking come alive for students; consequently they are more likely to retain information learned. Respect for elders is a concept best learned through real world experience. Elders relationships with young people are enhanced and strengthened when they are encouraged to share their wisdom and are honored for their contributions to society.

INPUTS (The ingredients that, at a minimum, are necessary to secure before it is realistic to evaluate our work) Stable and flexible funding that allows us to maintain focus on our mission and key activities. Strong partnerships with schools and other organizations that allow us to create synergy, expand marketing opportunities, and better serve communities. Organizational infrastructure (technology, materials, supplies, space) that allows us to maximize intra-organizational communication, coordination, and effectiveness. Workable schedule with schools (or other providers) that permits adequate preparation time with students and elders.

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Logic Model and Evaluation Plan for Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song September, 2007

Table 1: Logic Model

ACTIVITIES What do we do? OUTPUTS How could we quantify the scope of our work? SHORT TERM OUTCOME INDICATORS From the outset, how do we know we are moving toward our long term outcomes? Increasing number of participating schools INTERMEDIATE OUTCOME INDICATORS Over time, how will we know were continuing to move toward our long term outcomes? Increasing percentage of participating schools that: embed EWCS into the curriculum and make it a recurring part of their annual initiatives. align social studies, music, or language arts curriculum with EWCS. Build expertise among the staff to continue the EWCS process. Increased student awareness of cultures, traditions, values, and the beliefs of others. Increased student observational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Increased sense of community among participating students. Students actively participate in the musical elements of the production (singing, movement) 3
Logic Model and Evaluation Plan for Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song September, 2007

Identify groups of students (e.g., classes, afterschool programs) to participate in Elders Wisdom Childrens Song

Number of schools/students who participate

Work with student groups and teachers to identify elders to be honored through the EWCS process Facilitate elders storytelling and student interviews of elders. Transcribe interviews and elders narratives Work with students to translate interviewed information into written narrative and song lyrics Work with students to prepare for a community celebration of elders (including gift giving, hosting a celebration, stage presence, etc.)

Number and demographic background of participating elders. Number of large group and small group student interviews of participating elders

Students actively participate in the process (asking questions, contributing ideas, actively listening, remaining on-task). Off-task student behavior during the interviewing and song writing process is limited.

Table 1: Logic Model (continued)

ACTIVITIES What do we do? OUTPUTS How could we quantify the scope of our work? SHORT TERM OUTCOME INDICATORS From the outset, how do we know we are moving toward our long term outcomes? INTERMEDIATE OUTCOME INDICATORS Over time, how will we know were continuing to move toward our long term outcomes? Increased student respect for elders, historical events, and cultural traditions. Expanded positive relationships between elders and young people. Expanded sense of cultural pride among participating eldersand participating students.

Honor elders with a culminating community celebration and performance of songs.

Prepare video and audio documentation of the celebration for students Present students and elders with CD of the performance.

Number of community members who attend the celebration, including: number of participating students number of students parents Number of elders family members and friends Number of CDs distributed

Long-Term Outcomes Improved intergenerational and intercultural understanding among all participants (students, teachers, elders). Improved student achievement related to specified social studies and language arts standards. Improved communication and observational skills among students. Enriched academic curriculum in participating schools and grade levels. Improved sense of intergenerational belonging and respect among participating elders.

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Logic Model and Evaluation Plan for Elders Wisdom, Childrens Song September, 2007