The Program Inventory is a catalog of state and federal programs the state provides to Tennesseans. The inventory is a snapshot of each program, with available information like descriptions, outcomes, and evidence. This information helps Tennessee’s leaders ensure that dollars and efforts are working to make the biggest impact on the lives of its citizens. The inventory reflects programs delivered by all 24 cabinet agencies and the higher education commission.
The Tennessee Evidence Framework is used to classify programs in Tennessee based on the level of available evidence supporting the program.
In this model, five evidence steps build from left to right. Every program has a logic model, or a theory of action, that guides its operation. Outputs are process measures, while outcomes communicate impact on participants or systems over time. The evidence and strong evidence steps indicate that the program is supported by at least one rigorous evaluation. Many factors can prevent a program from being rigorously evaluated, but all Tennessee programs should be measuring outcomes. See Evidence Framework & Clearinghouses for more information about each evidence step, and Evaluation Guidelines and Standards for more about evidence and evaluation.
"If we do x, y, and z activities, then we expect to see a, b, and c results."
Process measures support continuous improvement.
Data collected over time demonstrate a change or benefit for participants.
At least one rigorous evaluation supports the program model.
Two or more rigorous evaluations support the program model.
Programs at the Evidence and Strong Evidence steps have at least one quality study that shows how the program affects the expected outcomes. Often, these studies will show positive effects. This is the case for most inventoried programs, which will have a green Evidence or Strong Evidence step indicator. However, sometimes studies will show that programs have no, mixed, or negative effects. Programs in the inventory with these study results will display the associated impact indicator.
