The Columbus Model: Performance Measurement & Evaluation
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Toolkits | October 15, 2010Files: PDF | 101 KB | 3 pagesColumbus evaluates 15 system-level performance measures and more than 30 client- and program- level measures. Key performance measures include prevention, length of stay, housing outcomes, cost-efficiency, and recidivism. In addition, CSB evaluates compliance with administrative and program standards. Performance measure and standards are developed with input from CSB board and staff, the CoC Steering Committee, and the broader CoC stakeholder community. Based on this information, the CSB designs goals for each outcome measure, assigns a performance metric to each measure, devises a methodology for tracking each measure across the system, and plans for integration of feedback. CSB also identifies the key players involved in each performance measure, ensuring accountability. For program level measures specifically, CSB works directly with each provider agency to set and establish a work plan for performance goals. These goals are outlined in a Performance Outcome Plan (POP) and included in the agency's contract. To access an overview of the POP, a sample POP, or sample performance-based contract, click here. Columbus's annual performance evaluation can be broken into three distinct levels. First, CSB assesses and scores; each system and program performance goal as Achieved (Yes/Y), Not Achieved (No/N), or Not Applicable (N/A). An Achieved Goal is defined as 90 percent or better of a numerical goal or within 5 percentage points of a percentage goal. Not Applicable is assigned when a performance goal was not assigned or the program is too new to be measured. Second, each system and program is assessed as a High, Medium, or Low performer based on overall achievement of system-level performance outcomes and overall program performance outcomes, respectively. A program that experiences repeated difficulty meeting performance goals is considered a "program of concern". Programs rated as "Low" performers or repeatedly identified as a "program of concern" are handled by CSB through a Quality Improvement Intervention Program (QII). The QII is based on quarterly one-on-one dialogues between the CSB and the provider agency to support performance improvement. Funding decisions or merit awards are often based on the rating that each program receives during its annual evaluation.
If a system is scored as low performing, CSB works with all the providers in that system collectively to determine the source(s) of or barrier(s) to stronger performance. For example, the introduction of a new program - such as the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) - can adversely affect system performance as programs go through a learning phase during the first few months of implementation.  At the third and final level of evaluation, Columbus systems effectiveness as a whole is monitored and evaluated by quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reviews of aggregated data from providers and the communities various systems. The table below provides a listing of Columbus system- and program- level performance measures. More detailed information concerning definitions and evaluation methodology can be accessed by clicking here.
The Columbus Model: Becoming a Data Driven System
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