EVALUATION Goal: Evaluate the effectiveness of programming by tracking baseline data and, in addition, actively work on improvement, based on results. 1.
Administer the student travel tallies at least once per year to track the number of students walking and bicycling in comparison to the 2014 baseline results. In order to track the results of implemented programming, it is recommended that the GlyndonFelton Elementary School and the DGF School District administer the student travel tallies at least annually. The results will indicate the number of students walking and bicycling, which in turn will identify the effectiveness of programs. If possible, try to conduct the student travel tallies more than once per year so it is possible to capture travel data during periods of inclement weather, particularly rain and snow, to see how that affects student travel mode choice. This data will also be useful when applying for non-infrastructure or infrastructure funding.
2.
Administer a parent survey questionnaire once every two to three years to track and analyze school travel behaviors and parents’ perceptions. The parent survey tool tracks and analyzes student travel behaviors and parents’ perceptions of walking and bicycling. This survey should be conducted no more than biannually as attitudes are not likely to change that quickly. If done too frequently, parents may not be as inclined to fill them out. Results can then be compared to the baseline analysis completed in the Fall of 2014.
3.
Explore establishing baseline health data (possibly already gathered) to evaluate possible health improvements over time related to SRTS improvements. In order to track student health improvements over time, it is suggested that the DGF School District collect baseline health data. It is likely that the school district is already collecting this data. As SRTS programs and improvements are implemented, the health of students can be tracked on a continual basis. PartnerSHIP 4 Health may be able to help the school district organize this.
For more Evaluation ideas see Minnesota SRTS Model Policies Tip Sheet (Appendix F).
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