1. Programs

Outdoor School

Credit: Joe Klein (Cropped from original)

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Evaluation and research

We apply our research and evaluation findings to enhancing the program, such as how to develop critical consciousness in high school leaders. Research outputs include providing educator resources — from self-evaluation toolkits to online courses. We also publish what we have learned from our research in professional journals to broaden its reach.

Learn more about our research approach and the findings gleaned through our outdoor school research.

Learn more about our research

Student outcomes evaluation

Our statewide evaluation of outdoor school — Outdoor School for All! Student Outcomes in Oregon — evaluates the programming outcomes and supports program improvement. The evaluation focuses on:

  • Providing and developing inclusive and equitable programming
  • Expressing authentic and reciprocal community engagement
  • Meeting legislative requirements
  • Providing professional development and learning informed by evaluation
  • Strengthening and diversifying the outdoor school workforce

This started as a collaborative evaluation project in 2014 with support from the Gray Family Foundation.

See student outcomes reports
Credit: Crystal Nichols (Cropped from original)

Oregon Department of Education Outdoor School Data Collection

For the first time this year, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is requiring school districts to report on outdoor school attendance for the 2024-2025 school year. We are excited about the new Outdoor School Data Collection and encourage full participation to ensure accurate reporting.

OSU Extension Service Outdoor School has worked closely with ODE during the establishment of this data collection. These data will help us to better understand the reach and impact of outdoor school across Oregon and will be beneficial in making the case to the Oregon Legislature for continued robust funding.

Visit ODE’s Outdoor School Collection webpage

Self-evaluation tools

We have developed a suite of three self-evaluation tools for educators and programs:

  • Instructional Resource Self-Evaluation Tool (IRSET)
  • Cultural Responsiveness Self-Evaluation Tool (CRSET)
  • Special Education and Accessibility Self-Evaluation Tool (SEASET)

The self-evaluation tools are designed to support programs in reflecting on strengths and opportunities for growth, especially related to making outdoor school more equitable, accessible, and culturally responsive.

Access the tools

Evaluation data and resources

Each year participating school districts must submit a final report about their students' outdoor school experience. These reports provide rich data on outdoor school experiences and effectiveness, while also ensuring fiscal responsibility in program implementation statewide. Each year, results are reported to Oregon's state legislature and used to update the Outdoor School Explorer, making key data publicly available.

Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve. See evaluation data, workshops and resources for educators and programs.

Explore the resources
Credit: Russell James

Questions or suggestions?

Deborah Good is the Outdoor School program's Research, Evaluation and Assessment Coordinator. Feel free to contact Deborah should you have any questions or suggestions regarding research and evaluation. Also, sign up for our News for outdoor school stakeholders email list if you would like to receive regular updates.

Contact Deborah

Contact Outdoor School

Email
[email protected]

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