The Importance of Accountability in Extension’s Future

1. The Importance of Accountability in Extension’s Future Diane Mashburn County Extension Agent- 4-H/Agriculture March 7, 2014

2. Accountability • What is accountability? • “Holding someone responsible for what they are supposed to do” (McKenna, 1983). • NOT evaluation but utilizes evaluation data • “Documentation used to prove that what was supposed to be done, in fact, was done and to determine how well it was done” (McKenna, 1983).

3. Accountability • Dual purposed • Internal accountability • Program planning process • External accountability • Stakeholders • Both purposes can be met through proper evaluation methods

4. Accountability • Focused mainly on internal accountability • Inputs and outputs • 1977 national evaluation • Changes implemented FY 1984 • Focus shift to include external accountability components • Government Performance and Results Act

5. External Accountability • Move from strictly inputs and outputs • Showing outcomes and impacts • What is occurring because of those inputs and outputs? • Go beyond participant numbers to participant impacts

6. External Accountability

7. Why is this important to Extension’s Future?

8. Accountability • True to our mission • Continue to be the state’s premier provider of information and educational programs • Demonstrate responsibility with stakeholders’ support and resources

9. Extension Mission • Internal accountability • Evaluation of programs throughout • Ensures high quality, effective, and timely programs • Accountability for all levels of Extension

10. Premier Provider • “Best Kept Secret” • Competition only increasing • Research-based, non-biased sets us apart • Accountability allows this to be seen

11. Premier Provider

12. Stakeholders • Give resources in number of ways • Financial • Time • Support • Accountability demonstrates our stewardship

13. Stakeholders • Resources becoming fewer and fewer • Demonstrate what we can do with resources • Demonstrate their return on investment

14. Stakeholders • Stakeholders’ Time & Support • Becoming more competitive • Illustrate why we deserve their time and support • Not money (directly), but invaluable nonetheless

15. Stakeholders • Public funds tighter • Harshest critic, no longer ourselves • Accountability provides protection • Why are we a viable option into the future?

16. Accountability • True to our mission • Continue to be the state’s premier provider of information and educational programs • Demonstrate responsibility with stakeholders’ support and resources

17. Thank You Questions?