Outcome indicators are the specific items of information that track a program's success on outcomes. They describe observable, measurable characteristics or changes that represent achievement of an outcome. The number and percent of program participants who demonstrate these behaviors then is an indicator of how well the program is doing with respect to the outcome. Outcome targets are numerical objectives for a program's level of achievement on its outcomes. After a program has had experience with measuring outcomes, it can use its findings to set targets for the number and percent of participants expected to achieve desired outcomes in the next reporting period.
Benchmarks are performance data that are used for comparative purposes.
A program can use its own data as a baseline benchmark against which to compare future performance. It also can use data from another program as a benchmark. In the latter case, the other program often is chosen because it is exemplary and its data are used as a target to strive for, rather than as a baseline. United Way of America Back to the Online Resource Library main page. Back to the Measuring Program Outcomes Excerpts page.