Major Research Project Mini-Proposal

Working Title of Study: Names of Team Members: Client/Sponsor Organization(s): Client/Sponsor Contact(s): How Powerful is the POWER Program? An Evaluation Maia Knauer and Katie Morrow-Mackay Women and Childrens Shelter of Barrie Alison Williams The Women and Childrens Shelter of Barrie maintains a 27-bed shelter location for women who have left abusive relationships with or without their children, as well as an off-site location for women in the community who are seeking support. Agency staff provide counselling, safety planning, women and childrens groups, legal and court support, referrals, and information and education about violence against women. The Youth Outreach Awareness Program is an initiative designed to reduce relationship abuse by encouraging positive, respectful relationships. They do this by providing presentations and curriculum on healthy relationship violence prevention to youth ages 12-17 in schools and the community. It is referred to as the POWER Program. The agency would like to expand the Youth Outreach Awareness Program into grade 7-8 and would like to know what grade to start at in the elementary schools. They would like to know how to market the program for all 8 modules instead of just a few. Currently, there is a difference between which teachers at which schools ask for how many modules. They would also like to expand the program, infrastructure and availability to make the program more widely available in the community. The agency recognizes the connection with sustainable funding for the program. They would like to know what impact the program has on participants by assessing their perceptions of and satisfaction with the program, as delivered in Bear Creek Secondary School during the 20122013 school year.
Cornelius, T.L., Resseguie, N. (2007). Primary and secondary prevention programs for dating violence: A review of the literature. Science Direct, 12(3), 364-375. doi: 10.1016/j.avb.2006.09.006 Fredland, N. M., Ricardo, I. B., Campbell, J. C., Sharps, P. W., Kub, J. K., & Yonas, M. (2005). The Meaning of Dating Violence in the Lives of Middle School Adolescents: A Report of a Focus Group Study. Journal Of School Violence, 4(2), 95-114. doi:10.1300/J202v04n02_06 Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R.T. (1996). Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Programs in Elementary and Secondary Schools: A Review of the Research. Review of Educational Research, 66(4), 359-506. doi: 10.3102/00346543066004459

Background & Problem Definition Characterize organization and current context Describe business objectives and information needs

Secondary Research / Literature Review List of information sources Past research studies Key informants

Kerig, P.K., Volz, A. R., Moeddel, M., & Cuellar, R. E. (2010). Implementing Dating Violence Prevention Programs with Flexibility, Fidelity, and Sensitivity to Diversity: Lessons Learned from Expect Respect. Journal Of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 19(6), 661-680. doi:10.1080/10926771.2010.502079 Kervin, D., & Obinna, J. (2010). Youth Action Strategies in the Primary Prevention of Teen Dating Violence. Journal Of Family Social Work, 13(4), 362-374. doi:10.1080/10522158.2010.492499 Pittman, A., Wolfe, D. A., Wekerle, C. (2000). Strategies for Evaluating Dating Violence Prevention Programs. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 4(1), 217-238. doi: 10.1300/J146v04n01_10 Tharp, A. T., Burton, T., Freire, K., Hall, D. M., Harrier, S., Latzman, N. E., & Vagi, K. J. (2011). Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships. Journal Of Women's Health (15409996) , 20(12), 17611765. doi:10.1089/jwh.2011.3177

Wolfe, D. A., Intervention reduces dating violence perpetrated by boys. (2009). Harvard Mental Health Letter, 26(6), 7. Wolfe, D. A. (2009). School-based program to prevent dating violence. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 25(10), 3-4.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the POWER program as implemented with high school students at Bear Creek Secondary School. Research Purpose and Objectives Overall purpose of study Clear, prioritized objectives Operational definitions, where needed Our evaluation questions are as follows: 1. What are students knowledge and awareness of personal safety in relationships? 2. What are students opinions of the POWER Program? 3. What are the skills that students have gained as a result of participating in the POWER Program? 4. What are teachers perceptions of the implementation and usefulness of the POWER Program? Informal observation will be conducted by the researchers prior to the questionnaires. We will obtain permission from each teacher to sit in on one full module being delivered in their class. This will be an unobtrusive process and will not require anything of the students, no information will be gathered from them and nothing will be audio or video recorded. Researchers will take general notes regarding the level of engagement and participation. These notes will not be used during analysis. This will also provide the researchers with an opportunity to introduce themselves to the class and allow them to distribute consent forms for the surveys and in-depth interviews. We would like to conduct these observations during the week of May 6th to May 12th. Proposed Methodology Phases of data collection, in order Modes of data collection Resources needed We will administer a paper-based post-program survey to students to measure their awareness and knowledge of personal safety in relationships. This survey will also assess the skills that students have gained as a result of the program. Next, we will conduct individual In-Depth Interviews with students to explore their opinions about the program. We propose to do these interviews at times that are convenient for the student and do not interfere with academics, such as during lunch, spares or after school. We will require resources to provide incentives for each student that completes an interview. Finally, we will conduct individual In-Depth Interviews with the teachers whose classes participated in all eight modules, which will measure their perceptions of the implementation and usefulness of the program. The population of interest is students at Bear Creek Secondary School in 5 classes ranging from grades 9 to 12 who have completed all eight modules of the POWER Program. Observations will be conducted in the 5 classes who are in the process of completing all 8 modules. Proposed Sampling Plan Population(s) of interest Available sample frame(s) Sampling approach(es) Desired minimum sample size(s) We will administer an anonymous paper-based post-program survey to students to measure their awareness and knowledge of personal safety in relationships. This survey will also assess the skills that students have gained as a result of the program. This will be conducted in each classroom, at the end of the eighth module of the POWER Program. Students will be given the choice to participate in this survey. We realize that some students may be absent, however, we are confident that the students present will be representative enough of our total population. We are willing to accept a 90% response rate from these surveys because we recognize that some students may be absent.

We will conduct individual In-Depth Interviews with students to explore their opinions about the program. This will be a complete random process. Researchers will draw four student names with of a goal to interview two students. Participation will be completely voluntary and selected students will be assigned random identification numbers to ensure anonymity. We propose to do these interviews at times that are convenient for the student and do not interfere with academics, such as during lunch, spares or after school. We understand that the teachers of each class are willing to give students class time to complete these interviews. We will require resources to provide incentives for each student that completes an interview. This will assist us in exploring the range of opinions that are held about the POWER Program. Estimating that each class has 25 students, and the program is offered in 5 classes, our total population of interest is 125 students. Our desired minimum sample size is 10 students in total. Our second population of interest is the teachers of these same classes. We propose to conduct individual In-Depth Interviews with each teacher whose classroom completed all eight modules of the POWER Program. Some of these teachers have already expressed interest in participating in this study. A sampling plan is not strictly required as the sample frame is predetermined and we are attempting to conduct interviews with three teachers whose classes are involved. The students are considered to be a vulnerable population due to their age. We will require informed consent forms to be read and signed by students parent or guardian in order to participate in the In-Depth Interviews, if selected. We will also require each student to read and sign an informed consent form outlining their rights as a participant. We recognize that the subject areas being discussed are sensitive in nature. We are also aware that discussing this type of information in depth may produce an emotional reaction. We will emphasize that participation is voluntary and will inform students that they can withdraw from the study at any time for any reason, without suffering any penalties. Most importantly, if students become upset as a result of the nature of the questions asked in the survey or during the In-Depth Interviews, they will be discretely escorted to the guidance department, or if more appropriate, the In-Depth Interview will stop and a guidance counsellor will be brought in to support the student. The survey and audio recording will be excluded from the study and destroyed immediately. We are aware that the Simcoe County District School Board has protocols in place to support students with emotional difficulties and will initiate this process to protect the well-being of the students. We will protect the confidentiality of data and the rights and well-being of the participants by assigning pseudonyms for transcripts of interviews. We will not require students to record identifying information on the survey and will code responses to ensure anonymity and confidentiality. We will obtain informed consent from the parents of each student who is selected to participate in an In-Depth Interview and will highlight that students can withdraw at any time, for any reason, should they feel uncomfortable with the nature of the evaluation. Written consent from these randomly selected students will also be obtained, ensuring they understand the terms of the study.

Ethical Considerations Identify potentially vulnerable populations, potential risks to research participants

We recognize that participation in this program evaluation may involve risks for participants; however, it can also provide benefits. Participants will be able to share their firsthand experience of the program with the understanding that it could influence the future delivery of the program. Participants could feel like they have an important role to play in the development of the program. It may be beneficial for participants to share personal stories as a way of assisting us further understand the complexity of the subject and bring awareness to it. Finally, participants will have the benefit of feeling that someone is listening to them, regardless if their opinion of the program is positive or negative, and is taking their perceptions seriously. Please complete and submit this form (one per team) by email to: jeff.cole@georgiancollege.ca

In-Depth Interview Consent Form to be signed by parents Informed Consent Form for POWER Program Evaluation
As you may be aware, your son or daughter is participating in the POWER Program as part of the curriculum delivered in his/her class at Bear Creek Secondary School. This program is offered by the Women and Childrens Shelter of Barrie, who is conducting an evaluation to make sure that the participants of the POWER Program are benefiting from the program. It is also a way to see what is done well and if there are areas for improvement. The Women and Childrens Shelter is working with two students from Georgian College in the Research Analyst Program to conduct an evaluation of this program. Students will be asked to complete a survey about their knowledge and awareness of personal safety in relationships, as well as the skills they have gained through the POWER Program. Another part of the evaluation involves conducting individual In-Depth Interviews with some students about their opinions of the POWER Program. If you authorize your son or daughter to participate, his/her identity will be kept confidential. No identifying information will be shared with anyone outside of the research team. Other information about the evaluation Your son or daughters participation is voluntary and his/her privacy will be protected. Names will not appear on any surveys and fake names will be used to identify interviewees. Students who participate will be given an ID number, and only the research team will know it. Once surveys have been completed, the information will be transferred to a database and the survey will be destroyed in 6 months following the end of the evaluation. Any digital recordings will also be destroyed in 6 months following the end of the evaluation. We hope you will help us by allowing your son/daughter to participate in this evaluation. Their involvement will help us to understand the impact of the POWER Program and improve its delivery in schools. For further information about this evaluation, please contact Richard Rinaldo, Georgian Research Ethics Board Chairperson, at 705-728-1968 ext. 5583.

I give permission for my son/daughter to participate in the evaluation by responding to the survey. I give permission for my son/daughter to participate in an individual In-Depth Interview, should they be
selected.

I do not give permission for my son/daughter to participate at this time.

I have read, understand and consent to the above information. _______________________________________________ Student Name (printed) _______________________________________________ Parent or Legal Guardians Signature _______________________________________________ Researchers Signature _______________________________________________ Researchers Signature ____________________ ______________________ Date Phone Number ____________________ Date ____________________ Date ____________________ Date

In-Depth Interview Consent Form to be signed by students Student Informed Consent Form for POWER Program Evaluation This consent form outlines the purposes of the study and provides a description of your involvement and rights as a participant. Your class has been participating in the POWER Program as part of the curriculum at Bear Creek Secondary School. This program is offered by the Women and Childrens Shelter of Barrie, who is conducting an evaluation to make sure that the participants of the POWER Program are benefiting from the program. It is also a way to see what is done well and if there are areas for improvement. The Women and Childrens Shelter is working with two students from Georgian College in the Research Analyst Program to conduct an evaluation of this program. Individual in-depth interviews are being conducted with 20 students from Bear Creek Secondary School. Each interview will be about half an hour in length and will be digitally audio taped. Your participation in this program evaluation is voluntary. You are under no obligation to participate in the study by signing this form. You have the right to withdraw at any point, for any reason, and without penalty. Any information collected will be destroyed at that time. Your real name will not be used at any point of information collection or in the final report. You will be given a pseudonym that will be used in all verbal and written records and reports. The audio recording of your interview will be kept safely and confidentially by the Georgian College student researchers and will be destroyed after 6 months. The interview transcript will also be destroyed after 6 months. I have read and understand this consent form and I volunteer to participate in this research study. I voluntarily choose to participate, but I understand that my consent does not take away any legal rights in the case of negligence or other legal fault of anyone who is involved in this study. I further understand that nothing in this consent form is intended to replace any applicable federal, provincial, or municipal laws.

I agree to the terms outlined above. Researcher name (print): ________________________ Researcher signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________________

I agree to the terms outlined above. Student name (print): ___________________________ Student signature: ______________________________ Date: __________________________