Developing a Measure to Evaluate a Positive Youth Development Program for Native Hawaiians

Abstract

Objective. This study introduces the rubrics of Native Hawaiian values developed to measure youth knowledge and understanding of indigenous values along with 8 other tools to evaluate Hui Mālama o ke Kai (HMK), a culturally relevant, positive youth development, after-school program in a Native Hawaiian community. Findings from our efforts to validate the rubrics tool, as an evaluation measure, using triangulation are presented. Methods. Evaluation tools were modified through community input and measured youth risk and protective factors, including knowledge and practice of Hawaiian values. Validity and reliability of the tools were tested by analyzing internal consistency, intraclass correlations, and triangulating data sources. Results. Corroboration of results from the different data sources indicated convergent validity of measures to evaluate youth understanding and practice of Hawaiian values. Conclusions. This community-focused approach to evaluation demonstrates how multiple evaluation instruments may reliably evaluate a program.