REL Pacific at McREL launches downloadable education logic model application

HONOLULU, Hawaii—The Regional Educational Laboratory for the Pacific region, or REL Pacific, has announced the launch of its Education Logic Model (ELM) application, a computer-based, interactive module that runs locally on Google Chrome and does not require users to connect to the Internet. The app is designed to guide users through creating a logic model to determine how data fit within the larger design of a program and how they relate to different program components.

Developed with funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, the ELM application takes the typical “how-to” guide to the next level, guiding users through a series of questions and providing opportunities to enter program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes. Once all program information is entered, users will be prompted to draw lines between each component, illustrating their cause-and-effect relationships. The end result is a printable logic model that functions as a map for the program team, visually connecting your intended activities with intended outcomes.

The ELM is available on flash drives for users with limited Internet connectivity and available for download on the REL Pacific website: http://relpacific.mcrel.org/ELM.html

Why create a logic model for a program?

Logic models are an invaluable tool for teachers, administrators, policy makers, and evaluators for visually representing the structure, process, and goals of a program, both conceptual and actionable.

Logic models can contribute to the success of a program by:

– making the intention behind the program clear;

– introducing common language and references for collaborators in the program;

– defining resources and outlining activities, as in an action plan;

– showing measurable results as well as short-, mid-, or long-term effects;

– using a visual display as a proven and effective learning tool;

– illustrating the process of the program, speaking to its value beyond the measurable effects; and

– using theories of change to guide the planning process, making lessons learned more evident in the evaluation stage.

In addition to the application, users may download the accompanying just-released quick reference guide, Logic Models: A Tool for Designing and Monitoring Program Evaluations, which introduces logic models as a tool to help educators plan and monitor program evaluations.

About REL Pacific at McREL

REL Pacific is one of 10 Regional Educational Laboratories established and funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. We connect educators in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau with research on teacher effectiveness, family and community engagement, college and career readiness, and more. REL Pacific is housed at and operated by the Pacific Center for Changing the Odds at McREL International. McREL is a private nonprofit corporation that draws upon the best of education research to translate what works into innovations and results. (PR)