Programs of Distinction

1
Overview of the

• Programs of Distinction

Submission Process Winter, 2007
2
What will we discuss?

• Overview of Programs of Distinction
• Benefits
• Submission Process
• Scoring Process
• Helpful Suggestions
• Questions and Answers

3
Programs of Distinction are

• Peer-reviewed program descriptions that reflect
  the high quality of Extension youth development
  programs around the country

4

• Definition of a Program
• An organized, purposeful set of activities
  designed to achieve positive youth development
  outcomes.

5
Programs of Distinction Must

• Exhibit strong program development
  characteristics
• Contribute to the body of knowledge about youth
  development
• Convey new ideas, materials, or innovative
  methods
• Demonstrate evidence of effectiveness

6
Why Programs of Distinction?

• Designed to help Extension Professionals

• Communicate the high quality of youth development
  programs
• Assist others in improving their practices in
  positive youth development
• Better understand and promote the nature of
  scholarship in their work
• Submit program outcomes through peer-evaluated
  format
• Tell the story of 4-H and other Extension youth
  development programs

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Benefits to Submitters

• National recognition
• Eligibility for seminar presentation at NAE4-HA
• Eligibility for the Annie E. Casey Foundation 4-H
  Families Count Family Strengthening Awards
• Eligibility for the Jim Duncan Program of
  Distinction Award through NAE4-HA
• Detailed feedback provided by peers
• Opportunity for program improvement and
  enhancement of written communication skills
• Wonderful addition to professional file or resume
• Ability to generate reports for local
• and state funders and policy makers

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Overview of Submission Process

• Step 1 Download submission form and guidelines
  from the National 4-H Headquarters site
• http//www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/about/pod.h
  tm
• Programs of Distinction database
• Tips from Peer Reviewers
• Link to Annie E. Casey 4-H Families Count Family
  Strengthening Awards

9

• Step 2 Submit manuscript directly to National
  4-H Headquarters
• Manuscripts are accepted on a continuous basis
• All manuscripts submitted electronically using
  the Programs of Distinction submission form
  available online.

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• Step 3 Submitters receive a receipt e-mail
  acknowledging that the manuscript was received
  (state leader will be copied)
• Step 4 Identifying information (e.g., city,
  state, names, websites) is removed from the
  manuscript in order to ensure a blind review

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• Step 5 The blind manuscript is sent to three
  reviewers with experience in the selected
  category(ies)
• Step 6 Reviewers are asked to complete their
  reviews within two weeks

12

• Step 7 Submitters receive reviewer comments and
  notification of the status of their submission
  within four weeks from the date the manuscript
  was received

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Submission Flowchart
Designation as a Program of Distinction
Submitter emails manuscript to National 4-H
Headquarters
Headquarters creates blind version and sends to
3 reviewers
Reviewers have 2 weeks to return review to
Headquarters
Returned to submitter for edits or a re-submission
Submission is rejected as a Program of Distinction
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Scoring Process

• 75 program content points
• 25 readability points
• ----------------------------------------------
  --------------
• 100 possible points

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• Scoring rubric lists each objective matches
  with submission form
• 1-5 Criteria rating scale with descriptions
• Comments help submitters know how to revise their
  manuscripts

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Final Recommendations

• Publish as a designated POD
• Publish as a designated POD with minor revisions
• Ask submitter to revise and resubmit needs
  major revisions
• Reject as POD

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Helpful Suggestions

• Reviewers are looking for something original
• Example serves a unique audience
• Find something unique about your program
• Share your draft with colleagues first for a
  fresh pair of eyes and a careful edit
• Keep your state leader in the loop!
• Please keep open communication with us!
• Look at PODs already on the website.

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Contact Information

• Suzanne Le Menestrel
• slemenestrel_at_csrees.usda.gov
• 202-720-2297
• General Programs of Distinction E-Mail
• POD_at_csrees.usda.gov