Using a Theory of Action to Develop Performance Indicators to Measure Progress toward a SIMR

This white paper offers an approach for using a theory of action as an outline to develop the SSIP [State Systemic Improvement Plan] Phase II evaluation questions and plan that will guide the SSIP work in Phase III and beyond. Key areas of focus include generating evaluation questions at each level of outcomes, identifying essential steps and checkpoints when implementing identified improvement strategies, and creating evaluation questions for determining the degree to which each step in the process is achieved. The paper describes the relationship between SSIP Phases I and II and explains three types of performance indicators of progress linked to a hierarchy of outcomes, including short-term outcomes that measure participation, reaction, and learning outcomes; intermediate outcomes that measure action outcomes; and long-term outcomes that measure the desired results.