Putting Rigorous Evidence Within Reach: Lessons Learned from the New Heights Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Program Evaluation
• Educational Outcomes

Background:

• School-based programs support pregnant and parenting teens.
• Evaluating these programs presents unique challenges.
• Administrative data offers a cost-effective evaluation solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• Illustrate rigorous, cost-effective evaluation of maternal and child health programs using administrative data.
• Share lessons learned in planning and conducting such evaluations.
• Highlight the importance of program staff-evaluator partnerships.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a difference-in-differences research design.
• Employed extant administrative data merged across agencies.
• Focused on lessons learned from the New Heights program evaluation.

Main Results:

• Clear program components and measurable educational outcomes facilitated evaluation.
• Agency willingness to provide administrative data was key.
• Staff buy-in and collaborative discussions enhanced study implementation and utility.

Conclusions:

• The New Heights evaluation demonstrates obtaining impact evidence on a modest budget.
• Collaborative relationships are vital for informative program evaluations.
• Administrative data and partnerships enable rigorous evaluation of school-based programs.