Request and Assesment for Fall 2011

The YPQA is validated for programs that:

• serve youth whose ages correspond to grades 4 - 12th
• are ongoing (tutoring, arts, theatre group, recreation program, college readiness, sports and fitness, etc.) rather than a one-time session or event
• have at least 4 youth that participate regularly

Your program must meet the above criteria for an external assessment to be valid. Please do not request an assessment for programs not meeting these criteria.

Assessments cover about 45-60 minutes of a program offering. They are conducted by external assessors who have been trained and validated by the Center for Youth Program Quality. Executive Directors must approve requests to assess their organization's programs. After the assessment cycle has been completed, managers participate in a Planning with Data session to learn how to use the assessment results for program improvement.

To take part please fill out this survey.

Professional Development Courses

These 2 to 3 hour workshops are aligned with the items of the YPQA found in the pyramid. The 10 workshop modules will be provided to programs that participate in the YPQA so your organization will have access to solutions and support for the areas identified as being weaknesses immediately. There will be a $15 fee for professional development courses to cover the cost of materials.

YPQA Workshop Modules - Course Descriptions

• Voice & Choice – Providing young people with authentic, meaningful choices is a hallmark of truly engaging environments. This workshop is focused on providing meaningful choice within activities and voice within the youth program itself.
• Planning and Reflection – The planning and reflection process, central to improving youth program quality for programs that serve every age, can turn a fun activity into a powerful learning experience! Participants learn how to support youth in planning, implementing, and evaluating activities and projects.
• Building Community – This lively workshop introduces participants to numerous community- building and relationship-building activities.
• Cooperative Learning – This workshop addresses youth's interaction in groups – both the cooperative learning environment and leadership opportunities.
• Active Learning – Introduces the remarkable benefits of providing opportunities for youth to actively explore materials and ideas. This workshop explores the "ingredients" of active learning as well as the methods for creating high-impact, active environments.
• Scaffolding for Success – How do you set the bar high for youth and help them exceed their expectations? This workshop is about working closely with youth to find their learning edge and help them experience just the right amount of challenge.
• Ask-Listen-Encourage – Introduces a method for building supportive, youth-centered relationships. The workshop prepares participants to ask a lot of effective questions, to actively listen to youth, and to encourage youth by tapping their intrinsic motivation.
• Reframing Conflict – Helps participants consider an approach in which adults support youth in solving their conflicts and problems.
• Structure and Clear Limits – How do you prevent chaos in a youth environment without stifling youth's positive energy? This workshop introduces methods for setting clear limits and a productive program structure.
• Homework Help – This workshop focuses on the effective use of Homework Help time by introducing participants to the relationship ABC's (Ask and Listen, Be involved, and Connect). This provides a foundation that makes addressing focus and the steps to homework success work.