Developing an Evaluation Tool for the Virginia Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Program

This project focused on the development of an evaluation tool for the newly adopted Youth for the Quality Care of Animals program in the Virginia youth livestock program. Information and examples from similar projects were compiled to understand the tools already being utilized. Appropriate evaluation tool design was identified in order to meet the needs of different ages and stages of youth. Two evaluation tools were developed, one for junior aged youth ages 9-13 and one for senior aged youth ages 14-19. The evaluation tool wording and format were designed to be age specific. Demographic, Likert scale, and open-ended questions were utilized. The voluntary survey was administered at the conclusion of each training event. The surveys were collected and the data was analyzed. A total of 263 junior aged youth and 242 senior aged youth completed the survey at the conclusion of their respective trainings. The results indicate that both the junior aged and senior aged youth found the training to be beneficial but delivery systems could be enhanced and improved to make the training more enjoyable. Youth particularly gave positive feedback concerning the guest speakers, the hands-on learning stations, and live animal demonstrations. 83% of the total youth agreed they learned something new as a result of completing the trainings. Limitations of the survey include format, delivery, and analysis of the data. The training instructors are also a limitation considering how they formatted the training and how they administered the survey including the directions given and the amount of time allotted to complete the survey. In the future, the evaluation tool should be modified to not only capture youth satisfaction but impact and behavioral change as well.