Examples are the number of meals provided, classes taught, hours of service given, brochures distributed, and participants served. A program s outputs should lead to desired outcomes for the program s participants. Outcomes are benefits or changes for program participants during or after their involvement with a program. Outcomes may relate to knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, behavior, condition, or status. Examples of outcomes include knowing the nutritional needs of an infant, demonstrating improved reading skills, using more effective responses to conflict, obtaining and keeping a job, and having greater financial stability.
Most programs have a series of related outcomes, with initial outcomes leading to longer-term ones.
Outcome indicators are the specific characteristics or behaviors measured to track a program s success in achieving its outcomes. The number and percentage of program participants who demonstrate these behaviors then is the indicator of how well the program is doing with respect to the outcome. Outcome targets are numerical objectives for a program s future level of achievement on its outcomes. After a program has collected at least one round of outcome data, it can use its findings to set targets for the number and percent of participants who will achieve the desired outcome in the next reporting period. Outcome measurement is the regular, systematic tracking of the extent to which program participants experience the benefits or changes intended.