Frequently Asked Questions about SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y
What is SAYO-S&T?
SAYO-S&T is a research-based measurement tool that uses staff and teacher surveys to collect data about specific youth outcomes that are aligned with your program goals. It can be used to measure any or all of 13 youth outcome areas that are scientifically linked to long-term positive youth development and academic and life success. SAYO-S&T is not intended for individual youth assessment, nor as a diagnostic tool.
How does SAYO-S&T work?
SAYO-S&T relies on pre- and post-participation surveys that are completed by OST staff (SAYO-S) and academic teachers (SAYO-T) to collect data about youth participants. Each outcome area is measured by asking staff and teachers to respond to questions related to observable youth behavior. It is designed to be used on its own or within the APAS System alongside APT and SAYO-Y.
What is SAYO-Y?
SAYO-Y is a research-based measurement tool that uses youth surveys to measure their experience, future planning, and sense of competence. Use SAYO-Y to survey your youth participants and collect data about what they are getting out of your program.
How does SAYO-Y work?
SAYO-Y is comprised of three brief pre- and post-participation surveys that are completed by youth participants to measure their program experiences, future expectations, and sense of competence. The surveys are designed for programs serving children from Grade 4 through Grade 12 and can be completed online. SAYO-Y is designed to be used on its own or within the APAS System alongside APT and SAYO-S&T.
Who should use SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y?
SAYO-S&T and SAYO-Y have been used by evaluators, out-of-school time directors, supervisors, curriculum and education coordinators, and 21st Century Community Learning Center personnel to evaluate youth outcomes. These tools work best for programs who offer a variety of experiences for youth such as enrichment and leadership activities in addition to academic support.
Are SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y right for my program?
The SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y tools work best for well-established programs (+1 year) that offer a variety of programming to 25 or more youth participants who attend on a regular basis and receive at least 100 hours of programming across a full school year or intensive session such as a day camp. SAYO-S&T can be used for programs serving youth in Grades K-12, while the SAYO-Y is only available to youth in Grades 4-12.
If your program does not fit the above description, we recommend that you start with our APT tool to measure the quality of your program and identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.
How much does SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y cost?
The SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y tools are free and are provided upon completion of an in-person or online training program. Pricing for in-person training is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on your needs. Online training subscriptions for SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y are each available for $200 per program site for one year, renewable at a reduced cost. Following successful completion of either in-person or online training, you can continue to use the tools at no cost as long as someone working at your site is trained in proper use and administration of the tools.
What do you mean by “program site”?
Pricing for SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y is determined by the number of program sites. A program site is defined as a physical address where programming for youth occurs. For example, if your organization offers three programs at two different physical locations, you have two program sites. Those with six or more program sites may be eligible for a group discount.
How many staff members can be trained to use SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y?
Training provides instruction on the proper use of the tools and customization. If you opt for an in-person training, we will work with you to determine how many staff members should be trained. If you purchase a 1-year online training subscription for your program site, you can train as many staff members who work at that site as you want.
Are SAYO-S&T or SAYO-Y research-based?
Yes. The SAYO-S&T and SAYO-Y are part of the APAS System, which has been extensively piloted and scientifically tested beginning with the statewide Massachusetts Afterschool Research Study in 2004. Reliability and validity testing has continued with funding from WT Grant Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Who collects and analyzes the data?
There are two options for data collection and analysis with the SAYO-Y or SAYO-S&T tools: NIOST staff can manage data collection and analysis OR programs can collect their own data through Survey Monkey. If you choose to collect your own data, you will need to pay for a professional level license for Survey Monkey.