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All Kinds of Minds recognizes the importance of advancing evidence-based scholarship on the quality and impact of our programs.
Ongoing Program evaluation is an essential component of high quality professional development. All Kinds of Minds conducts Program evaluations to monitor the quality of design, development, and delivery of the Schools Attuned Program. All Kinds of Minds evaluates both the quality of facilitators and the design of the curriculum. In addition, Program evaluation identifies changes in teacher thinking and behaviors, the impact of those changes on student outcomes, and additional trends that may then be further investigated through independent impact research.
All Kinds of Minds supports the rigorous assessment of the Schools Attuned Program. In 2003, All Kinds of Minds released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to generate impact research on the Schools Attuned Program and awarded contracts to the most scientifically rigorous proposals. Three national studies on the impact of the Schools Attuned Program are being conducting through this process:
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Evaluating Student Achievement in the Schools Attuned Program conducted by the Center for Educational Assessment at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. Principal Investigators: Steven G. Sireci, Ph.D. and Lisa A. Keller, Ph.D.
Drs. Keller and Sireci are studying the impact of the Schools Attuned Program on student and teacher outcomes in both Oklahoma and North Carolina. Student outcomes being examined include standardized test scores; student work samples; self-concept, motivation, and attitude; school attendance; and detention and suspension rates.
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A Research Study to Measure the Impact of the Schools Attuned Program on Special Education conducted by WESTAT, Durham, NC. Principal Investigator: Thomas A. Fiore, Ph.D.
Dr. Fiore and his research team are studying the impact of the Schools Attuned Program on special education in terms of student outcomes as well as economic benefits. Their research questions examine the impact of the Schools Attuned Program on pre-referral interventions, special education evaluations, eligibility for special education, preparation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and special education placement decisions as well as individual student achievement.
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Evaluation of the Schools Attuned Program When Combined with Various Mentoring Programs conducted by WestEd, San Francisco, CA. Principal Investigator: Naida Tushnet, Ph.D.
Dr. Tushnet is conducting a rigorous study to determine the impact of Schools Attuned training on students, teachers, and schools. An important feature of this study is an examination of two types of mentoring programs provided in conjunction with the Schools Attuned Program. WestEd will evaluate the impact of the Schools Attuned Program on student academic and social outcomes, as well as on teacher knowledge and instructional practices. The evaluation will follow the selected schools, teachers, and students for three years.
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In addition, independent research studies conducted to date indicate that the Schools Attuned Program creates positive changes in teacher practice, student outcomes, and school climate, culture, and systems. Past studies have found:
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Improvements in the academic and personal outcomes of students who are struggling in school. Schools and parents reported higher end of grade test scores, grade improvement, and increases in students’ sense of self-efficacy, self-esteem and self-concept.
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Positive impacts on teacher practice. Teachers reported being better prepared to address the learning needs of their students, formulate educational plans and select strategies to improve academic achievement, and work with families to better understand students and support their learning.
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Improvements in school climate, culture, and systems. Schools reported fewer behavior problems and fewer disciplinary referrals. Schools found a decrease in referrals for special education, fewer false positives in referrals, and a reduction in personnel costs. Teachers began to feel that they could first try to help students prior to making referrals.
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Positive impact on parents. Parents of children whose teachers used the Schools Attuned Program reported a deeper understanding and acceptance of their child’s learning issues; parents felt they were forging a hopeful alliance with the school.
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 Read more about the Schools Attuned Program Evaluation Model
Read more about the All Kinds of Minds research agenda
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