Nick Provencher of Calais, ME, completed his final capstone project with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, collaborating with The First Tee of Central Arkansas to address student assessment and evaluation at The First Tee.
Since 2001, The First Tee has provided marginalized youth in the Central Arkansas area the opportunity to acquire valuable life skills while learning the game of golf. The organization targets youth who have been traditionally excluded from the game and its positive ideals.
Over the past six months Provencher thoroughly evaluated the curriculum used at The First Tee. The evaluation targeted key areas such as lesson facilitation, course content, and the performance measurements used to assess students. The information from the evaluation created an overview of The First Tee program in action. The next phase of the project reviewed over 30 program evaluations of organizations specializing in youth development. Data from both phases was collated into a final summary report complete with recommendations. The recommendations detailed a new system of assessment allowing The First Tee to better assess its impact at the student level.
“It is very necessary to be able to accurately gage the impact we are having on our students. Reliable data allows us to target a students specific needs and maximize the benefit they receive from the program”, said Monica Brown, Program Director for The First Tee of Central Arkansas. “Our coaches are passionate about working with youth and welcome any tool that will assist them in that endeavor.”
The Capstone Project is the third of three major field projects in the Clinton School curriculum. Provencher will graduate in August 2014.
For more information about The First Tee of Central Arkansas visit: http://www.thefirstteelittlerock.org
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