The assessment and evaluation of training programs for nutrition educators is one project area that has limited study that is driven from a sound theoretical foundation. One nutrition education program that promotes healthy food choices and physically active lifestyles within a limited budget is the SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Services. The SNAP-Ed program in Michigan is administered by the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Although evaluation of the SNAP-Ed program has always been lauded and held to a high standard, clear instructions regarding how the SNAP-Ed training programs should be evaluated is lacking. This dissertation attempts to use a contemporary training program evaluation theory, the New World Kirkpatrick Model, which is being promoted in the evaluation field. The applicability of the New World Kirkpatrick Model as a framework to evaluate the MFF's Regional Training program is explored throughout this dissertation. A mixed-method approach has been employed to complete this study. In particular, a web-based survey and three online focus groups were administered to collect data needed to adequately answer research questions proposed in this study. The findings show that the New World Kirkpatrick Model is an effective approach to evaluate the Regional Training program at MFF. Eight themes that can further inform the planning and delivery of the training program were identified from the qualitative data. This study also investigated the correlation among four levels (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) of the New World Kirkpatrick Model, and the findings indicated that there is a positive correlation among these four levels of the model. These results provide further evidence that the outcome of the training program does not differ by participant's demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, race, level of education, or experience. Overall, this study has significance as it proposes a sound training program evaluation approach that can assist MFF to make informed decisions on revising and improving the current training programs. Moreover, this dissertation contributes to the evaluation field by demonstrating the effectiveness and limitations of the New World Kirkpatrick Model as an evaluation tool in the nutrition field by providing a comprehensive example of training program evaluation.

Abstract: The evaluation contains an overview of the national NET, description of Nebraska's NET curriculum and its evaluation and analysis, the instruments used, follow-up study on a sub-sample of children, and a special food consumption study. Nebraska was selected to provide Congress, OMB, federal oversight agencies, and advocacy groups with a comprehensive assessment of their Nutrition Education and Training (NET) Program's impact because sufficient implementation had occurred to evaluate the effects on students, teachers, and food service workers. Findings indicated that: teacher preparation usually took more time than expected; cooperation between teachers and food service personnel was not as good as anticipated; and the curriculum materials had mixed effects. Nutrition knowledge did increase for grades 1-3 and 4-6; food attitudes were not altered. Food preference for vegetables increased for students in grades 1-3; this was not so for grades 4-6. Food habits, plate waste, and the cost of the curriculum Experience Nutrition are discussed along with bias within the study. (kbc).

Abstract: A summary of a 2-year study describes the operation of the Nutrition Education and Training (NET) Program nationally and assesses the program's impact in several states, specifically Georgia (GA) and Nebraska (NE). The major question asked in the study was "Are these effective NET program services for improving the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of students?" Some 3,700 elementary school students in GA and NE were tested. Both programs demonstrated unequivocal positive effects on student nutrition knowledge, with the greatest improvement seen in grades 1-3. Effects on nutritional attitudes were mixed; little behavior change concerning plate waste was seen. NET activities, generally, vary from state to state. States' efforts are doing well with minimal federal directions and regulations. (kbc).

The purpose of this guide is to assist the state NET coordinator in planning and managing the evaluation component of the state plan as required in the NET regulations. Begins with an explanation of evaluation and reasons for program evaluation; describes how to develop an evaluation plan for the NET state plan; presents one of the most commonly used frameworks for the design of a comprehensive evaluation plan; provides detailed information on how to use the Model for NET evaluation; provides an example of the evaluation component of some state plan objectives; and provides an explanation of context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation, product evaluation, and impact evaluation.

Abstract: The report provides analysis and evaluation of nutrition attitudes and nutrition knowledge of all target groups (teachers, supervisors, food managers, students, child care consultants and non-public representatives) the student plate waste study and in-service activities for teachers and managers between October 1978 and May 1980. Also included is a status report of curriculum materials, teaching aids and other program activities, a summary of the North Carolina NET program, conclusions and recommendations for improving the program. (js).

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