This evaluation analyzes the structure, process and outcomes of the MTRA program implemented in southwest Iowa during 1998 and \ 999. Participant evaluations of MIRA workshops and trainers are included as a separate attachment to this Cluster story.
Evaluation efforts began in June 1998, with the Cluster's appointment of Susan Judkins of Indianola as its Evaluation Representative. The evaluator maintained contact with members of the Iowa Cluster on a regular basis (approximately once a week) through telephone calls, e-mail, and personal visits throughout the evaluation time period. General information was also acquired through the Iowa Cluster's web site and list server, which were established early into the program.
During the early stages of the program the primary contact was the Evaluation Representative. After the workshop phase concluded, communications with other members increased. Formal and informal interviews were conducted with members of the Steering Committee, the Grants Committee, individual team members and with Lana Pals, executive director of the Cluster's fiscal agent, the Southwest Iowa Coalition Foundation.
The evaluator met in person with approximately 60 Iowa Cluster participants on four different dates to conduct formal interviews with the Steering Committee and members of each team. She also participated in one workshop and interviewed approximately 20 additional persons on an informal basis. Additional phone, e-mail, and correspondence communication has been maintained with the Cluster's fiscal agent and with several team leaders during the project implementation phase of the MIRA program, which continues until August 15,1999.
During the interviews, team members responded spontaneously to a set of prepared questions, and they were encouraged to make additional comments and suggestions.
