A Logic Model for Program Planning and Evaluation Applied to a Rural Social Work Department

Abstract

A logic model is framework that is used to delineate goals and resources. It was used by the Social Work Department at Texas A&M University-Commerce to help visualize and establish the initial accreditation of the MSW program and continues to be a valuable tool for this rural social work program. The model has helped faculty determine a vision for the program. This vision has transferred to other areas such as recruitment and retention of faculty, curriculum choices for students, resources for alumni, and community development to reach rural social service agencies that are lacking in resources. The logic model provided a guiding framework that started at the inception of the social work program and has helped clarify strengths and weaknesses in building the social work program. The purpose of this paper is to apply a logic model framework to social work interventions on all three practice levels: micro, mezzo, and macro. The use of logic models is cross-disciplinary arising from the knowledge base of how social systems function whether as individuals, families, small groups, large organizations, or as macro governmental agencies. From organizational social systems theory, a logic model can illustrate causal links between inputs (resources), outputs (students), and outcomes (achievement of mission) (Chen, Cato, & Rainford, 1998; den Heyer, 2002). Logic models have become increasingly popular among funding agencies for program planning and evaluation (United Way of America, 1996). Although the terminology may differ depending on the systems model used, the terminology addresses three familiar system elements: inputs, outputs (activities and participants or methodology), and outcomes. Inputs concern resources which are social work practitioners. Outputs concern the product which is the client, family, group, agency or community. Finally, outcome addresses the effect of the intervention or program on the clients, agency, program, or community. Logic models apply short-term, intermediate and long-term outcome measures to assess effectiveness of interventions, and to set goals.