FNEE 1 - Assessing SNAP-Ed Program Success Through Teacher Surveys

Abstract

Objective: To develop a survey to assess satisfaction and perception of implemented intervention success among teachers participating in SNAP-Ed programming. Target Audience: Teachers in eligible schools participating in SNAP-Ed programming. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: Evaluation of SNAP-Ed programming is vital to ensuring the success of interventions. Teachers in eligible schools are instrumental in the delivery of SNAP-Ed programming in Arkansas, so a survey was developed to assess teacher satisfaction and how they perceived the success of programs. Description: The University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service (UACES) delivered SNAP-Ed programming to 41,038 students in 239 schools across the state in FY17. Teachers assist with program delivery and evaluation of students and parents, so ensuring teachers are satisfied with the program is vital to maintaining their support. An original four-page survey, specific to one curriculum, was refined to a shorter survey in 2010 to assess teacher satisfaction. It was revised again in 2014 to expand it to a second curriculum, and once more in 2015 to make it appropriate for all UACES school-based nutrition education programs. The teacher survey provides an additional evaluation of student and parent behavior change, complementary to parent and student surveys completed with school-based programs. Evaluation: UACES staff review survey responses annually to determine efficacy of questions measuring teacher satisfaction and perception of program success. Questions were modified annually based on survey responses and usefulness of data. Conclusions and Implications: Teacher satisfaction is vital to maintaining their continued support of SNAP-Ed programming. Surveys show that overall, teachers are satisfied with the nutrition education programs. Teachers are able to provide observational data on in-school behavior change, such as children trying and eating more fruits and vegetables. County Agents use survey data to improve the local implementation of the program based on teacher feedback. Funding: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education.