ASSIGNMENT
The purpose of this assignment is to provide students with an opportunity to review policy
implementation and evaluation issues and their relationship to policy reform. For this assignment students must:
1.Very briefly identify a social welfare policy, the problem it is trying to address, and who is
affected by this issue and how.
2.Explain in detail how the policy is being implemented, including which federal or state
agency administers it and how (e.g., through what mechanisms or organizations), how the
funding is allocated, who is involved in carrying out the program or delivering benefits and
services to end-users, who program or benefit recipients are, and other relevant details
related to implementation that help to understand how the policy is put into practice.
3.Explain whether and how the policy is being evaluated and what mechanisms and outcome
measures are being used to collect data on the policy’s performance and who these data are
given to.
4.Assess the implementation and evaluation process, specifically discussing whether and how
The policy is achieving its goals. If the policy is not demonstrating success, discuss what the
causes of this may be.
5.Propose specific improvements, alternatives, or innovations that may better solve the policy
problem. Indicate whether you think there is a need for changes or modifications in the
current policy, indicate what those are, and articulate how they will be implemented and
evaluated. If you think there is a need for a policy alternative or innovation, articulate what
that is and how it will be implemented and evaluated. Regardless of which approach you
choose, discuss the budgetary needs and financial feasibility of your proposed policy solution.
6.Consider ways in which social work values are reflected in the implementation and
evaluation process specific to the proposed changes and actions.
This paper should be four to five pages (double-spaced), substantially integrate at least 6–10 sources,and adhere to proper APA formatting (7th edition). Please upload the paper to the appropriate element inthe Assessments unit.
RUBRIC:
SWO 404: Assignment 3: Policy Implementation & Evaluation Analysis (PAPER) Student Name: ______________________________________________ _____/10 points Social Welfare Policy Background Does the student identify a specific (federal/state) social welfare policy by name? Yes No Does the student describe the problem the policy tries to address? Yes No Does the student identify whom is affected by this problem and how? Yes No _____/20 points Policy Implementation Does the student assess how the policy is implemented by discussing: Which federal or state agency administers the policy? Yes No How funding is allocated? Yes No Who delivers the program/benefit/services to end-users? Yes No Who are the benefit recipients? Yes No Does the reader have a firm grasp on how the policy is put into action? Yes No _____/20 points Policy Evaluation Does the student explain how the policy is evaluated? Yes No Does the student explain the outcome measures are evaluated? Yes No Does the student discuss what data is collected to evaluate the policy? Yes No Does this student identify who receives the policy evaluation report/data/info? Yes No _____/20 points Policy Implementation & Evaluation Process Assessment Does the student identify whether the policy achieves its stated goals? Yes No Does the student discuss whether the policy achieves its states goals? Yes No If the policy is not successful, does the student identify potential causes for the policy’s ineffectiveness? Yes No _____/20 points Policy Improvements or Alternatives Does the student propose specific improvement(s) OR alternatives to the social welfare problem? Yes No Does the student discuss specific improvement(s) OR alternatives to the social welfare problem? Yes No Does the student discuss the budgetary needs of this specific improvement(s) OR alternative solution? Yes No Does the student reflect in whether social work values are reflected in these proposed improvement(s) OR alternatives? Yes No _____/10 points Paper Mechanics Is the paper double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins? Yes No Is an introduction paragraph included? Yes No Is a conclusion paragraph included? Yes No Is source material paraphrased correctly? Yes No Are in-text citations in appropriate APA formatting? Yes No Is a reference page included that conforms to APA formatting? Yes No Is the paper easy to understand? Yes No Is the paper free from typographical and spelling errors? Yes No Are paragraphs an appropriate length (3–7 sentences)? Yes No Is the length of the paper within stated specifications (4-5 pages)? Yes No Total Score: _____/100 Instructor Feedback:
Brief initial thoughts
Connecticut School Breakfast Program.
Policy Identification: The Connecticut School Breakfast Program aims to provide nutritious breakfasts to students in participating schools to improve their health, nutrition, and academic performance. It addresses issues related to food insecurity, childhood hunger, and educational equity. Those affected include students from low-income families who may not have access to a nutritious breakfast at home.
Implementation Details: The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) administers the School Breakfast Program in collaboration with local school districts. Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which reimburses schools for each breakfast served to eligible students. Schools may offer breakfast through various models, such as in-classroom breakfast, grab-and-go breakfast, or traditional cafeteria service.
Evaluation Mechanisms: The performance of the School Breakfast Program is evaluated through various mechanisms, including participation rates, nutritional quality of meals served, and academic outcomes among students. Data on program effectiveness and outcomes are collected and analyzed by CSDE, local school districts, and other relevant agencies.
Assessment of Goals Achievement: Evaluation of the School Breakfast Program indicates success in increasing access to nutritious breakfasts for students, improving attendance and academic performance, and reducing food insecurity. However, challenges remain in terms of reaching all eligible students and addressing stigma associated with participating in the program.
Proposed Improvements: Proposed improvements to the School Breakfast Program may include expanding participation through alternative breakfast models, such as breakfast after the bell, implementing universal free breakfast for all students, and providing nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits. Implementing these improvements would require collaboration among schools, parents, community organizations, and policymakers. Evaluation would involve monitoring changes in participation rates, student health outcomes, and academic performance.
Reflection on Social Work Values: The proposed improvements align with social work values by promoting the well-being and academic success of children, advocating for policies that address food insecurity and educational equity, and empowering communities to support the needs of vulnerable populations. By strengthening the School Breakfast Program, Connecticut can ensure that all students have access to a nutritious breakfast, setting them up for success in school and beyond.