Evaluations

We understand the importance of evaluating STEM education programs to ensure quality and effectiveness. That’s why we’ve partnered with Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR), a leading organization in the fields of social-emotional and STEM education assessment. Through our collaboration with PEAR, we utilize a variety of assessment tools to measure student outcomes and program quality. This is a service TRSA offers for FREE to STEM education organizations. 

About PEAR

Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) has been at the forefront of social-emotional and STEM education for the past two decades. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Gil Noam, PEAR initially operated under the name Program in Afterschool, Education, and Research (PAER) while Dr. Noam was a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Medical School’s McLean Hospital. Over the years, PEAR has developed various assessment tools and resources to enhance educational experiences and promote resilience in youth. In 2020, PEAR transitioned into a Benefit Corporation, continuing its mission to drive positive change in education.

Assessment Tools

1. The Common Instrument Suite (CIS)
   The CIS is a self-report survey designed to measure various STEM-related attitudes, including STEM interest/engagement, STEM career knowledge, and STEM identity. Developed with informal/out-of-school time (OST) STEM programs in mind, the CIS offers insights into how these programs impact students’ perceptions and attitudes toward STEM. It complements the Dimensions of Success (DoS) STEM program quality tool, providing valuable data for program improvement efforts.
2. Dimensions of Success (DoS)
   DoS is a comprehensive suite of tools and guides crafted to help out-of-school-time (OST) programs enhance the quality of their STEM offerings. Developed with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), DoS allows stakeholders to assess the quality of STEM learning opportunities and identify areas of strength and improvement. By leveraging DoS, MOMENTUM aims to elevate the quality of STEM education across diverse learning environments.
3. Data Narrative Analysis (DNA) Reports
   The DNA reports offer a longitudinal study of a partner’s program, offering in-depth insights into program impact and effectiveness. Working closely with program and data experts, PEAR conducts thorough evaluations to showcase the outcomes of initiatives. These reports are invaluable for organizations seeking to demonstrate the impact of their programs to funders and decision-makers, facilitating data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.