Comprehensive Evaluation of the Kentucky Extended School Services Program.

The Extended School Services (ESS) program was established in 1990 as part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Designed specifically to address the needs of Kentuckys at-risk student population, ESS is an aggressive, proactive program for addressing academic problems before they become ingrained. This report summarizes findings from 24 site visits to selected schools across Kentucky that were implementing a variety of ESS programs. A total of 32 conclusions were generated from the evaluation, divided into nine topical areas: student demographics, adherence to intended goals, classroom instruction, student outcomes, program strengths, barriers to maximum success, program fidelity, patterns of implementation, and overall. Based on the findings and conclusions of this comprehensive evaluation of the statewide Kentucky Extended School Services Program, a number of specific recommendations are offered for staffs review and reflection. These 12 recommendations focus on transportation, professional development, communication and goal setting, and staffing. Nine appendixes contain evaluation checklists, surveys, questionnaires, and forms. (Contains 27 references and 17 tables.) (GCP)