Focus groups with school staff to explore asset-building innovativeness.
OBJECTIVE
To assist with interpretations of findings from a survey assessing the diffusion of an asset-building innovation in 3 school districts.


METHODS
Eight focus groups were conducted with 69 school administrators, teachers, and guidance counselors in 3 school districts. Three reviewers examined transcripts for common themes.


RESULTS
The themes that arose related to effective communication channels, barriers that prevent diffusion in the schools, the need for improved relationships, and addressing of students' needs.


CONCLUSIONS
The study illustrates the advantages of linking qualitative and quantitative methods when performing evaluations by enhancing both the validity and usefulness of findings.
Mahoney
Colleen A
CA
Mahoney Consulting Group, Wadsworth, OH 44281, USA. cmahoney@wadsnet.com
Lafferty
Carolyn K
CK
Nutter
Sandra K
SK
D000288:Administrative Personnel; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003376:Counseling; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D005178:Faculty; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012922:Social Change; D013334:Students