• P-Values: You Can’t Always Get What You Want

    Is there a statistical support group or a special place where evaluators unwind after navigating the complex territory of non-significant results? I’m emotionally drained after experiencing the thrill of research and the excitement of discovery, followed by the highly awkward encounter with a dreaded p-value that refuses to dance to […]

  • Mastering the Art of Asking for, Receiving, and Responding to Feedback

    Feedback is a crucial component of professional growth, but we’ve all encountered feedback that left us scratching our heads. Recently, I stumbled upon an insightful episode of the “Storytelling with Data” podcast by Cole Nussbaumer. It delved into the nuances of asking for and receiving feedback, sparking my own reflections […]

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    Educators Are Never Done Learning

    Crock-pot dinners, early morning backpack packing, soccer bags, and after school snacks ready to go! I don’t know about you, but these things must mean one thing; school is not only back in session but is in full swing! It has taken me a bit of time to get my […]

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    Where did they come from? Where did they go? SCRIBE’s Enrollment History Report

    When one school year end, we move onto the hustle and bustle of summer and before we know it, a new school year is upon us. Whether intentionally or not, the prior school year is often put behind us, only to be revisited for the APR. However, looking at enrollment […]

  • Anonymous and Confidential Surveys: What Exactly is the Difference?
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    Anonymous and Confidential Surveys: What Exactly is the Difference?

    Surveys are a popular research tool for gathering valuable insights and data from individuals on various topics. The two standard survey methods are anonymous and confidential surveys. While both methods aim to protect respondent privacy, they have differences that can influence data quality, respondent honesty, and overall survey effectiveness. This […]

  • Sharing Knowledge and Inspiring Change

    Have you ever wondered why evaluation findings sometimes do not get used in making programmatic decisions? Yes, we all have, and we can produce several reasons. This was the focus of our Data Into Practice presentation at the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP). The NCCEP conference is […]

  • The Power of Evaluation Retreats: Maximizing Program Growth

    The Power of Evaluation Retreats: Maximizing Program Growth

    With student success on the line, GEAR UP grants constantly strive for growth and improvement. Evaluating the grant effectiveness of strategies, processes, and objectives is crucial for obtaining goals for retreat participants. While evaluations are typically done in the office, there’s a growing trend towards evaluation retreats – dedicated blocks […]

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    What do Spring, Xcalibur, Data Dashboards, and Your Car’s Check Engine Light Have in Common?

    This week marks the first week of Spring, and the buzz of renewal is in the air. Spring is the official name of the season, but GEAR UP members may call this time of year’ APR season.’ It also indicates a renewal, moving from the close examination of last year’s […]

  • Research Symposium Recap from the NCCEP Capacity Building Workshop

    Research Symposium Recap from the NCCEP Capacity Building Workshop

    The Prove Team at NCCEP hosted the first Research Symposium during the 2023 Capacity Building Workshop which provided a space to highlight qualitative and quantitative evaluation studies specific to GEAR UP goals, objectives, services, and outcomes. Xcalibur participated in the Research Symposium and presented with GEAR UP Georgia during the […]

  • Leaving a Legacy for Grant Work

    Grant work can be exceptionally rewarding because it presents an opportunity to make an impact on communities. In the world of GEAR UP, grants are making an impact on students and their families, by supporting students to graduate high school and prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.  Funding […]