Educational Training Programs for Social Service Workers

This evaluation study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a New York Department of Social Services educational program conducted by Cornell University. While the primary goal was to evaluate thc program, a secondary objective was to explore the use of qualitative methods as viable alternatives or additions to the experimental model. A dual methodological approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative strategies, included preand posttesting of all subjects, control groups, extensive nonparticipant observation, formal and informal interviews, and the collection of background data. Results from the quantitative data were statistically significant and the qualitative data cross-validated these findings.