Implementation and Early Outcomes
Study of the First Things First Initiative

Abstract

This study is a program evaluation focusing on tracking the process of implementation of a comprehensive school reform initiative (First Things First) in the Kansas City, Kansas School District. The three goals of the study are (a) examine how the FTF Initiative came about and how it is unfolding at the district level; (b) examine the process and context of planning and capacity building at individual schools; and (c) examine whether the process leads to a sense of urgency and commitment in the initiative (i.e., the "early outcomes") by the stakeholders. The evaluators will utilize primarily a qualitative approach to collection of data, including open-ended interviews with key players, content analysis of documents, and observation of planning meetings and training session.