Degrees Of Change
Research
WE ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS
As data-driven proponents of educational equity, we rigorously evaluate our work and continually assess its impact. Explore some of the reports that measure and articulate the impact of our program models.
THEORY OF CHANGE
Our program models are informed by a rigorous, literature-based theory of change developed by Degrees of Change and Act Six Founder, Tim Herron, in his doctoral dissertation at University of Washington. His study found significant positive effects of the Act Six model when compared to a propensity-score matched comparison group.
- View the theory of change illustration
- Explore the theory of change narrative
- Read the full dissertation
ACT SIX NCAN CASE STUDY
In 2017 the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) authored a case study on Act Six, spotlighting Act Six’s high college completion rates while examining key components of the program’s unique model.
- Read the NCAN case study
ACT SIX EXTERNAL EVALUATION
In 2007, Wilder Research conducted a formal evaluation of the early Act Six program at Whitworth University, as the first cadre was preparing to graduate. The year-long project resulted in a 220-page report identifying multiple positive effects.
- Review the Wilder Research executive summary
READY TO RISE EXTERNAL EVALUATION
The white paper below builds upon the findings from a rigorous, five-year developmental evaluation of the Ready to Rise program conducted by the Claremont Evaluation Center. The Ready to Rise program was developed by Degrees of Change and supported by College Spark Washington. Findings from this study point to the importance of the program in building a strong sense of belonging, which fostered strong relationships with college faculty, and, in turn, mediated college attainment.
- Review the Claremont Evaluation Center white paper
TACOMA COLLEGE SUCCESS RESEARCH
To inform a comprehensive, coordinated, community-wide system of supports for Tacoma students, BERK conducted an environmental scan of UWT and TCC supports available for Tacoma students. This report was commissioned by Degrees of Change with the support of the Foundation for Tacoma Students and the Strive Together Network.
- Review BERK’s environmental scan
To better understand the reasons why Tacoma Public Schools college students leave prior to completing their degrees, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Foundation for Tacoma Students contracted Degrees of Change to conduct local, qualitative research to learn directly from the students’ voices.
