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Module D > Targets  
 

Targets

Targets attach a number to the program’s goals and state expectations for the successful performance of outcomes. Identifying targets helps translate general goals (What should we do?) into specifics (What can we do?)

Another way of thinking about a target is:  What would success look like?  If half of your participants learned a new skill, would that be worth all of the inputs, activities, and services?  What would make you happy? Seeing even a few students gain confidence? Every parent attending a program learning at least something new?

Unfortunately, no formula can determine targets.  As you set targets, get input and agreement of important stakeholders based on their expectations.  Setting numeric targets can be difficult, and targets may require revision as you implement your program.  Remember to state targets as a number and/or percent. Base estimates on:

• Your review of past performance with similar programs
• Your past performance before the program’s implementation
• Peer institutions’ results
• Published literature or relevant programs
• Industry benchmarks
  

 

Library example: Targets

From what you know about the Riverton Memoirs program, what would you choose as targets? Then, click the question-mark icon to see what those involved with the program chose as targets.

Outcome 1: Participants show improvement in their writing,

Indicator : # and % of participants who revise five pieces, commenting on what they tried to improve in each revision.

Applied To : All workshop participants

Data Source： Writers’ portfolios of participants work

Data Interval : 8 months into the program (so that participants should have several sets to choose from and time for mid-course corrections to be introduced)

Targets : 90%

Indicator : # and % of participants whose revised pieces (two before-and-after versions) are judged better than the originals in a blind (no writer or dates given) holistic grading by a creative writing specialist 

Applied To : All workshop participants

Data Source : Expert evaluation of participants’ work

Data Interval : 8 months into the program (so that participants should have several sets to choose from and time for mid-course corrections to be introduced)

Targets : 85%

Indicator : # and % of participants whose revised pieces are judged better than the originals (for two sets) by a creative writing specialist when judged by the writer’s goals in the revision.

Applied To : All workshop participants

Data Source : Expert evaluation of participants’ work

Data Interval : 8 months into the program (so that participants should have several sets to choose from and time for mid-course corrections to be introduced)

Targets : 95%

Outcome 2: Participants demonstrate they feel themselves to be part of a community of writers.

Indicator : # and % of participants who can name three ways they feel a part of the community of writers.

Applied To : Program participants

Data Source : exit survey

Data Interval : End of program

Targets : 80%

Indicator : # and % of participants who act as part of a community of writers after the program (produce writing, continue library writers’ group, etc.)

Applied To :Program participants.

Data Source : Phone interview with checklist of behaviors

Data Interval : Three months after the end of the program

Targets : 60%

 

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