Program Evaluation

Dan Ward commented on Group 1 - Experiential Learning Evaluation (3/30/16)
Dan Ward commented on Group 7 - Cognitive Apprenticeship Evaluation (3/30/16)
Tami Grandstaff-Chamberlain commented on Group 6 Humanist Learning Evaluation 
Tami Grandstaff-Chamberlain commented on Group 4 Narrative Learning Evaluation
Chris Jones commented on Group 1 Experiential Learning Evaluation.
Chris Jones commented on Group 3 Andragogy Evaluation.
Andrea Blaylock commented on Group 5 African Indigenous Knowledge Evaluation
Andrea Blaylock commented on Group 7 Cognitive Apprenticeship Evaluation 
Joseph Haynes commented on Group 4 Narrative Learning Evaluation 


Tami Grandstaff-Chamberlain - Introduction, (4) Evaluations & Write-ups, (4) Student Responses, Suggestions for Improvement, Contributor to Group Reflection, Process, Final Edits & Formatting Issues. Survey complete.

Chris Jones -  (2) Student Responses, Suggestions for Improvement, Group Reflection, Final Edits. Survey complete.

Dan - Preparation of Table Summary of Evaluations, (3) Student Responses, Group Leader, Suggestions for Improvement. Survey complete.

Andrea Blaylock - Supportive Role. Prepared Survey forms for (2) pending evaluations through Survey Monkey.  (2) Evaluations & Write-ups, (2) Student Responses, Suggestions for Improvement, Contribution to Table Summary of (2) Evaluations. Survey complete.

Joseph Blaylock - Supportive Role. Reviewed Final Document to assess alignment with Syllabus. (Discussion about final presentation) Survey complete.

Program Evaluation of Project Gold Star

Spiritual Learning Journey

Dan Ward

Chris Jones

Andrea Blaylock

Joseph Wayne Haynes

Tami Grandstaff-Chamberlain

Ball State University

March 27, 2016

Dr. Bo Chang

Introduction 

     This Program Evaluation is written as a secondary stage in the development of a program designed to implement spiritual learning theory as applied to trauma which aims toward the building of resilience as a coping measure for life events or circumstances beyond our control. Our target populations are Active Duty Military Personnel, Veterans, First Responders, their families, as well as families coping with Special Needs. The Spiritual Learning Journey serves to provide a cathartic experience providing meaning-making intended to replace emotional pain with mental and physical health and wellness through a personal relationship with one’s own concept of a Creator or Higher Power. By studying a Spiritual Model, the learner can participate in an enlightenment to give meaning to one’s own personal sacrifice while discovering their truest and Divine Purpose.

     Each evaluator was provided a link to our Spiritual Learning Blog and asked a series of two questions, as provided by Dr. Chang on our Syllabus for the Adult as a Learner Course 634. Aside from their busy schedules, we were fortunate that these busy professionals took the time to review our assignment, even briefly and we appreciate their combined efforts to help us achieve our project goals.

     Our first evaluator is Charles Vaden. Charles’ credentials include a BA in Sociology with a focus on Structural Sociology and Spiritual Social Psychology. He maintains certifications in Neurolinguistic Programming and Hypnosis. He served as a Marine Corps Aircrew Survival Equipment Instructor, a Mental Health Technician, an Adult Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and an Equestrian.

     Our second evaluator is Theresa Fears who holds a Masters in Social Work. During her Master’s Program, she personally prepared a Request for Proposal to obtain a seed grant award to develop a start-up within the ARC Agency toward prevention of sexual abuse and victimization in the Special Needs population. Theresa provided her evaluation to us via email.

     Our third evaluator is John Murphy. John is an Army Veteran, AAC, CPC, and Training Director of a Mental Health Agency for Children and Families. John was enthusiastic and appreciated the Spiritual Learning Journey so much that he recruited a Professor from Gonzaga University to review our blog as well, however, as the Director of Nursing at a Jesuit University, the Professor could not reveal his identity without approval through a number of channels, therefore will remain anonymous. John had the opportunity to review and had intentions of providing us with a synopsis, but as a crisis-intervention provider, there may have been an emergency that prevented his completing his intended synopsis to us. If provided, we will certainly add this piece to our blog.

     Our fourth evaluator is Karen Crull-Miller. Karen holds a BA in Social Services, was a Program Director for Youth Prevention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and is currently working in Health Administration for individuals with intellectually disability (ID). Karen brings a strong history in Social Services. 

     Our fifth evaluator is Keturah Haferkamp. Keturah holds a BA and MS in English. She is currently working as faculty at Triton College in Rhetoric/English Composition. Keturah is an advocate for adult learning and has lots of experience in research. 

     Our sixth evaluator is Antigone Sharris. Antigone Sharris is program chair and faculty member in the Engineering Technology program at Triton College. She holds an MS in Industrial Operations & Management from Illinois Institute of Technology at Chicago, a BS in Occupational & Practical Arts Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign, and an AAS in Engineering Technology from Triton College. Antigone is also a U.S. Army Reserves veteran.
 

Program Evaluation #1

As conducted by Charles Vaden, a retired Marine Veteran, former Director of Program Services for Behaviorally Challenged Youth at Turnabout Ranch, in Escalante, Utah as endorsed and recommended by Dr. Phil McGraw.  www.turnaboutranch.com.

Turn-About Ranch is a residential treatment center for teens ages 13 to 17, located on a working horse and cattle ranch in Escalante, Utah. Real change happens on this historic ranch as teens learn the value of hard work, honesty, teamwork, and cooperation through hands-on experience, while receiving intensive individual and group therapy and attending school.

Turn-About Ranch is a program of Aspen Education Group, the nation's leading provider of therapeutic education programs for struggling or underachieving young people. Aspen's services range from short-term intervention programs to residential treatment, and include a variety of therapeutic settings such as boarding schools, outdoor behavioral health programs and special needs summer camps, allowing professionals and families the opportunity to choose the best setting to meet a student's unique academic and emotional needs.

Aspen Education Group is a member of CRC Health Group, the most comprehensive network of specialized behavioral care services in the nation. For over two decades, CRC Health has been achieving successful outcomes for individuals and families
 Top of Form

1. What do you like most about the program design? 

Team learning develops the skills of groups of people to look for the larger picture that lies beyond individual perspective.  At the heart of a learning organization, is a shift of mind from seeing ourselves as separate from the world to that of being connected to the world.  From seeing problems caused by something beyond our reach to a new perspective that we can control our own actions to develop solutions.

It is in alignment with The 8^th Habit as described by Steven Covey.  Find your voice and help others find their voice.  When accurate, diligence and attitude is what matters. - Steven Covey

The program helps the learner to develop Spiritual Intelligence which gives meaning to the life experience of trauma. Spiritual intelligence is the full intelligent capacity of our nature, physical, mental, emotional, spiritual intelligence.  The program implements tools to draw out the superior nature of spiritual intelligence.

It is a wonderful framework and beginning from which to grow from.  It matches and mirrors the client.  When you meet them where they are at and care enough to listen to their story, you coax them out of their protective shell.  This program encourages the learner to tell their story as the group listens with intensity.  It resonates with potential for healing.

The program provides visionary thinking toward a better life.  It offers more than what currently exists.  The design has visionary thinking and champions for the traumatized with an objective in mind.  It is emotionally intelligent.  It utilizes the discipline of shared vision, mental models, team learning, and personal mastery to realize its potential.  It is a means of decompression.  Our Military teaches how to turn it on, but does not provide the means nor teach how to turn it off.

2. Please describe what you think should be improved in the program design?  Why? How?

Charles shares that once rapport has been established, offer choices and methods from which to further pursue goals.

Weave in Gratitude to recognize that our Higher Power has the capacity to resolve those problems.  If it is difficult to identify something to be grateful for, gratitude says “This [problem] is what brought me to My Creator and for that, I am grateful.”

Improve the program by focusing more on the elements of nature and the environment, hiking, utilize a challenge course which builds trust and implements somatic learning, recreating the capacity for adaptability.  Nature has healing properties which are also spiritual.

If you want to make significant quantum improvements, then work on paradigm which is the development of a pattern to follow.  Paradigm is a scientific term used to mean a perception, assumption, theory, frame of reference, or lens through which to view the world.  An element I don’t see that is of profound importance is the effect that systems have on creating the conditions that lead to people having the PTSD behaviors.  This means a measure of having systems in place to prevent the onset PTSD, which involves Systems Theory.  The four umbrellas of systems theory are a belief system, form of government, economic system, and accounting system.  By thinking in terms of systems, we can integrate disciplines into a coherent body of theory and practice.  Without a systemic orientation, there is no motivation to look into how systems inter-relate. You may want to take a look at Peter Senge’s work.  He is the author of “The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization.”  The 5^th Discipline the systems drive the boat.    

Program Evaluation #2

As conducted by Theresa Fears, MSW.  Partnership 4 Safety Program Prevention Coordinator, Partners for Prevention Education, Program Director of Healthy Relationships, The Arc of Spokane, Washington.

1. What do you like most about the program design? 

I think it is very wise to be partnering with VA Hospital behavioral services. It looks like a lot of thoughtful effort went in to the design, for example combining body work as well as discussion and journaling. Good luck with this project, I hope to be reading about its success in the paper soon.

2. Please describe how you would improve the program design? 

Although your lit review defines spirituality as not necessarily connecting to a God like force, your project does. What do you have in place for agnostics, atheists and others? I ask because although there is diversity of religion represented in members of the armed forces, it seems as though your project is built with a Judeo-Christian framework. It would be sad indeed for participants to not feel welcome in a therapeutic group that depends on feelings of acceptance and safety to be successful.  I also strongly recommend reading The Body Keeps the Score. You are using ideas from the book but I did not see it on your lit review.

Tami responds to Theresa’s critique:  It occurred to me what it is that you are trying to convey.  You think it important that those who are atheist be included because of the healing components and that it would be sad if they were not included, although they may have served our country.  Additionally, part of our studies indicated that one who has been traumatized by war may actually then question the existence of God or be angry, hence, we would not want to exclude a person of this belief either.  I have studied the world’s major religions, as well as diversity and inclusion.  I understand what you are saying and will present it to my Group for additional thought on how to make certain that no one is excluded.  Thank you for helping us to understand that the wording needs to capture the essence of what it is you are saying so that no one is excluded from the opportunity to heal or the opportunity to grow on a spiritual level, regardless of their belief system. 

Theresa answers:  “That is indeed what I was trying to convey. You are welcome to use the comments any way you wish.”

Program Evaluation #3

As conducted by John Murphy, Program Director of Passages Family Support and Professor Pseudonym, Head of the Department of Nursing at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. Passages Family Support provides peer support and case management services to individuals and families receiving services in the Spokane County public mental health system.  Certified Peer Counselors provide individuals and families with strength-based services that facilitate the recovery process.  Passages serves to inform and educate individuals, families, educators, researchers, mental health providers, and state and national policymakers about mental health issues.

1. What do you like most about the program design? 

This is great. This program, if accepted, could help heal a lot of us Vets and First Responders. (In a follow-up telephone call, John was rather awestruck that a group of graduate students had such tremendous and powerful abilities to write on this subject matter.  He said that our thinking was strongly relatable to our audience.  He was so impressed that he provided our assignment to the Department Head of Nursing at Gonzaga University, who agreed with its effectiveness).

John Murphy AAC, CPC, Training Director

Training Director, Passages

www.passages-spokane.org

Passages is proud to be a member of the PRO Alliance, the Washington State NIMH Outreach Partnership Program grant recipient.  www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

2. Please describe how you would improve the program design?

In your rational, Vietnam was not listed.  Why?

Tami responds:  As the Adult Gold Star Child of a National Hero killed in Vietnam and awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously, our Vietnam Veterans are in my thoughts daily.  My life was left with a deep scar as a result of my father’s death to combat in war.  This life experience gifts me with the ability to develop a language to related events that have historically remained hidden.  It has been the Spiritual Journey that has been my resilience and I hope to share that journey of healing with those who have experienced irreversible trauma over which we have no control. My own father left with me the seeds of faith and spirituality which have continued to grow throughout my life.  As irony would have it, I now share it with our country.  We will be more specific during our final presentation as we move forward with concluding our project assignment.  I, too, feel its inclusion is necessary, especially because of how our Vietnam Veterans were treated by their own country upon their return.   My father is now considered an historical figure and his history of heroism provides me the great privilege of helping to further awareness in our civilian communities to encourage gratitude for all those who serve, while shining a light on Veterans' issues which may further outreach in our communities and throughout our nation.

Program Evaluation #4

As conducted by Karen Crull-Miller, Program Coordinator, Employment Consultant, SL Start, Health Care Administration for the Developmentally Disabled.  It is an innovative health and human services organization in Spokane, Washington.

1. What do you like most about the program design?

I applaud all efforts to bring to light the complexity of healing and the layers therein. To be sure, there is a great need, a need beyond comprehension. The thoughts pulled together for the direction of this theory have no doubt been thought of before to some degree, however, this fresh, well thought out approach will no doubt ring true to those needing to be healed and those who wish to administer relief to the suffering. The intended audience will grasp this renewed vision for purposeful healing like a breath of fresh air.

Giving spiritual healing this more definitive terminology, which is more concrete than nebulous with a more goal driven orientation, a vision to grasp can be ultimately achieved as those in need reach for rejuvenation. Not to intend a play on words, but nation is part of that last big word. Let us continue to aspire to find healing formulas that can reach thousands upon thousands of those fractured by the onslaught of trauma....those who have dedicated more than we can know for this great nation.

We must never forget their service and contribution, but more than that what will we give back to them to repair the damage upon their psyche and soul? Let this refreshing thesis march forward for those who have already marched bravely unto battle.

Program Evaluation #5 

As conducted by Keturah Haferkamp. Faculty, Triton College – River Grove, IL.  Triton College is committed to empowering your success in life-changing ways. Our positive learning environment prepares students to effectively compete in our global economy, realize their career aspirations, and achieve personal growth. Triton College believes in academic excellence and dedicated to student success.

1. What do you like most about the program design? 

What I like most about the program design is the emphasis on the rationale behind each methodology.

2. Please describe how you would improve the program design? 

What would make the program design stronger is adding a schedule or specific action plan--perhaps even some field research where a focus group experienced the program and then an offering of the evaluations based on that focus group would be very helpful. 

Program Evaluation #6 

As conducted by Antigone Sharris, Coordinator Triton College - Engineering Technology.  Triton College is committed to empowering your success in life-changing ways.  Our positive learning environment prepares students to effectively compete in our global economy, realize their career aspirations, and achieve personal growth.  Triton College believes in academic excellence and is dedicated to student success. 

1. What do you like most about the program design? 

On the support side, I do think anything that helps a person with PTSD is worth doing.  Coping with it is what is needed, as in learning and practicing what tools/counter actions to use to deal with reactions that are a result of PTSD.

2. Please describe how you would improve the program design?

In the document, this seems to be a sentence that is not finished...

Students will conduct a personal assessment to establish an initial baseline from which to develop.

I think this statement talks in circles: Project Gold Star’s logic model asserts that by providing a trusting environment in which to process complicated emotions, invisible wounds can be healed through a channeling process into a meaningful, purposeful life experience intended to create a supportive community in a safe and accepting environment, transforming the individual to achieve a better life experience. I see the above "circle" talk elsewhere.  What I mean here is there is way too much in the statement and it repeats itself using different words. 

Here... only one outcome is provided and it is broadsweeping...

The long-term outcomes of our program will be realized by changes in behaviors, alleviating the burdens which have been historically carried silently, but which affect our nation’s mental health.

I think achievable/measurable outcomes are what the team need to focus on.  So, maybe:

1.     Participant is able to recognize when they may be entering an episode (meaning going into flight or fight mode)

2.     Participant has developed a technique to deal with said episode (maybe counting backwards from 10)

3.     Participant maintains a journal, etc.

STUDENT’S RESPONSES

Do you agree with the evaluations or not? Why or why not?

I agree with the evaluation of Charles Vaden because I appreciate his reference to Spiritual Intelligence.  I agree that more focus on nature is crucial.  Charles, as a Veteran, has relationship with a great many Veterans and has probably listened to many stories related to the military experience.  He is highly evolved and in tune with the spiritual nature of our beings.  Although I do not disagree with his discussion on Systems Theory, it is beyond the scope of our project for this class, however, his point is certainly valid and appreciated. - Tami 

The feedback of our blog and our endeavor to help America’s heroes has been received well and even highly praised. Charles Vaden and Karen Miller seem to be taken back at the precise and elaborate plan that we have set up.  Charles Vaden states that “Team learning develops the skills of groups of people to look for the larger picture that lies beyond individual perspective.  At the heart of a learning organization, is a shift of mind from seeing ourselves as separate from the world to that of being connected to the world.  From seeing problems caused by something beyond our reach to a new perspective that we can control our own actions to develop solutions.” This is exactly what we are seeking out to accomplish. We want our heroes to have the best life possible after risking that life in the protection of us. - Chris

I agree with the evaluation of Theresa Fears because it intends to make the end result better.  Theresa reminds us that although an individual may have beliefs that are a-spiritual (without spirituality), we should keep this in mind so that we don’t exclude anyone based on their own personal beliefs.  Theresa makes reference to a book called “The Body Keeps the Score.”  Although this book was not used to draw research from, most likely it duplicates information in regard to PTSD as there is much common ground in reference materials related to this subject matter.  However, it will be worth taking a look at this book because the title suggests Somatic experiences and PTSD is related to the physiology of the body as anxiety and hyper-arousal, which suggests the overuse of organs. Also, I agree with Chris and Dan below that we wrote to include the diversity of all.  I think that Theresa works in a field of sexual trauma where she may observe those who have questioned their beliefs while facing great challenge.  I appreciate that she brought this to bear - Tami

For me, the thoughts of Theresa Fears really gave me pause to think.  In creating a program based on spirituality, it is very important to ensure that every belief system is included.  I believe that this was indeed our intention, but Theresa did an excellent job of helping us to fine-tune this aspect.  I'm not sure I agree with her assessment that we are coming from a Judeo-Christian aspect, and perhaps it's just me, but I don't see any indication of any hint towards a particular faith or dogma in our work.  What really struck me, however, were her comments on agnostics and atheists, and perhaps we need to revisit the diversity aspect of our program in that regard. - Dan

I agree with Dan on his disagreement of only a Judeo-Christian aspect.  I think we all bring our own spiritual journey and our experiences with religion, God, and/or our connection to a higher power.  Our program works with those that are connected to God via Judeo-Christian backgrounds or any organized religion; they can either use a generic "Higher-Power" as used in A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous), or use the higher calling within themselves as in New Age teachings and studies.  We all teach and use what we know, but in taking that higher, further and deeper, we gain a new level of not just understanding our spiritual nature, but our entire self. - Chris

I agree with the evaluation of John Murphy and Professor [pseudonym] as Head of the Department of Nursing at Gonzaga University that our program could help a lot of Veterans and First Responders.  I, personally, feel that spirituality is an important part of resiliency for children whose life trajectories have been suddenly and dramatically changed by a loss of a parent killed in battle or wounded in action.  I realize that the greatest gift my father could have ever left me with were the seeds of faith in my life to help carry me through. I most definitely agree that Vietnam Veterans need to be named in our blog - Tami 

I can see John's viewpoint on including Vietnam, as I lost one of my best friends in the combat of that war, and witnessed two other people (a neighbor I grew up with and another close family friend) commit suicide as a result of the depression and PTSD they suffered as a result of serving our country in that same war. There were very few resources available to any of them at that time. However, I also see severe PTSD in students who have entered my classroom not long after returning from multiple tours of combat duty in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. In this, there still is an obvious lack of resources for the emotions they are trying to deal with. I would hope that our program represents all our veterans who have experienced the horrors of war and combat, wherever they may have served. - Dan
 

I agree with Karen Crull Miller that the need for spiritual learning is beyond comprehension, as is the challenge it addresses toward the healing of a nation.  Having lived through a number of traumatic events, I feel that spirituality has been the reason for my ability to survive and continue to encourage others toward achieving and receiving their right to peace and happiness.  This is my way of planting seeds of peace and social compassion, which our world so desperately needs. - Tami

It is so nice to read all of the positive things Karen had to say about our program. I think she hit upon a key point when she mentioned "rejuvenation." That sums it up nicely - in most cases, those that we touch with spiritual methods are not broken, they just need to be given back to themselves. I think our program is an element in that process, and evidently, so does Karen! - Dan

I appreciated the feedback the Karen Crull-Miller gave to our group’s project. As a professional in the Health Administration, she has heard and dealt with many individuals who experience trauma. Her response to what she liked about our group project is encouraging and seemed to originate from a place of genuine concern for those in need.  I also agree with the scheduling idea that Keturah Haterkamph suggested. It is important to have timeline of the length of the program; will we conduct the program for one year, six months, etc. - Andrea

Antigone Sharris brought out good point on how we could better structure our program design for curriculum. Anytime you develop a program, you want to have a list of goals and objectives to assess. Her input is valuable as understands the structure of curriculums and program as a coordinator of a major department at Triton College. - Andrea

Although I appreciate Antigone's work as a coordinator at a 2 year college offering Associate degrees, I found her comments in critiquing the grammar aspect a bit stigmatizing.  The Evaluator with a Masters level background in English and Research made no reference to this but a lack of time often suggests that something can always be stated more eloquently.  I will revisit this, however, in its review, I intended what was stated.  Antigone's Reservist background is a much different experience than that of deployment and much of the trauma experience of war will likely be unrelatable to those outside of the experience, which is why those who do experience it, find difficulty in re-integrating for lack of community understanding.  We must work under the premise that there will be those who find this material unrelatable and also must understand that we are working with an issue for a population who have found it very difficult to communicate this life experience to those who have not personally been touched by the magnitude of war.  Engineering is a field that is very different from the Social Sciences, hence, more time would be necessary for this type of background to truly analyze what is being said. It also reminds me that even within the military, those struggling with PTSD are stigmatized, which make them less likely to seek help. Also, Antigone discusses "measurable outcomes." I think this is more distinguishable in the field of Engineering and less likely in terms of spirituality.  In review of spiritual programming, I did not come across any suggestion of measurable outcomes. The measurable outcome would be that of a better life experience, which is unique for each participant. Perhaps it could be measured by the individual. - Tami  

I agree with Antigone's mention of the statement "long-term changes in behaviors" as broad-sweeping as time did not allow for further exploration, but I don't believe that spirituality is something that can be "measured" and if it can, I would appreciate any suggestion as to how that can actually be achieved. The suggestions (such as counting backward from 10???) that were made reveal an oversimplification and a lack of understanding, but I appreciate the feedback because we have been thinking about realistic, achievable outcomes and any positive and constructive feedback is welcomed. - Tami

How would you improve your program design?  

I would improve the program design by creating a timeline to implement the activities throughout the 10 week course, as well as Lesson Plans on Resilience.  The program can definitely be improved given more than the scope of a week’s time to create such an important solution toward a national epidemic.  Provided more time, I would layout the class activities in a more direct way to reflect the strategies implemented.  A design of this nature requires more time than the time frame of a week to complete a project of this magnitude.  I think we could create group ground rules.  We would use Interviews to assess a baseline at the onset of the course from which to establish and measure growth.  We can discuss the meaning of trust and establish/determine each student’s personal space and the definition of healthy relationships.  I completely agree that the term “Vietnam” Veterans should be used.  We wish to include everyone who would find benefit.  One of our colleagues from another group has suggested that spiritual learning can also be applied to positive life experiences and I agree that Spiritual Learning can always be applied to everyday life for us all. – Tami

I also like Tami's ideas regarding the comments from Charles Vaden - I like the idea of extending the program and incorporating a timeline.  This seems to bring a bit more formalization to the project and gives the efforts of our program a chance to be implemented and realized. - Dan

We need to work on clarifying the practical way of implementing the stress reduction strategies along with the elements of nature and the environment, hiking, utilize a challenge course which builds trust and implements somatic learning, recreating the capacity for adaptability.  Nature has healing properties which are also spiritual. - Chris 

I noticed that there was a consistent suggestions to add a timeline to the program. I would have the program be conducted for about 16 weeks (1 semester) with evaluations completed twice a month. I agree with Antigone as we need to have measurable outcomes through assessment. A survey can be created to accomplish this task. I used Survey Monkey to conduct my program evaluations. It is simple and easy to use and most of the features are free. However to obtain a detailed report with charts and graphs and exporting/downloading abilities, there is a monthly fee. –Andrea
 

GROUP REFLECTION

      The main highlight of our assignment is the introduction of spirituality into the process of dealing with the emotional wounds of traumatic grief.  The aspect of spirituality is not something normally associated with the healing of trauma and grief, but we feel that guiding the affected person through a process of change primarily through realization of a higher force and spiritual learning will lead to a significant lasting change in their view of not only the traumatic event itself, but of their lives in general. We feel that we have assembled a good database of information and are confident we can develop a program that will accomplish the goals stated above.

     We have learned that there are not many current examples of programs that use spiritual learning as the primary method of helping those who suffer from severe trauma and grief. Therefore, we advise that extensive research will have to be performed on this topic. As previously mentioned, we needed to understand the nature of trauma as well as what is being performed currently in healing from this phenomena to obtain ideas on what we desired to accomplish in our own program. To do this, we recommend having clear duties and objectives outlined for every member in regards to each process as well as frequent communication in order to form a working outline of our project within the stated guidelines of the assignment.

     We believe the uniqueness of our program is that it looks deeply into the application of Spiritual Learning as a solution that presents with the subject of resilience for problems associated with war-related trauma and traumas experienced by those who brave the lion’s share of civic responsibility beyond ordinary living.  Those who defend and care for trauma-related situations and experience the aftermath of mental and emotional anguish, complicated grief and horror, may find inner peace through a spiritual journey.  When the only solution is to accept the circumstances because they are beyond our control, we can learn resilience through providing meaning making as can be found in a spiritual journey and relationship with God or a Higher Power.

PROCESS

            This process was completed by contacting people previously met and networked with in agencies for other assignments.  While currently conducting a CPE Study for another course and while trying to determine which organization, inquiry was made of several individuals at various agencies via telephone and email.  Once confirmed, another email was forwarded with the hyperlink for easy access to the Blog.  In preparation for the study, websites were surfed to become more familiar with the agencies and their personnel.  Practicing Program Managers/Directors were contacted and asked if they could participate.  It would be best to have these prearranged because the turn-around time is very short (1 week) and professionals working in these capacities have busy schedules.  It has been fortunate that they responded in a timely manner.  The lessons/tips gained are that given the opportunity under the ideal circumstances, it is wise to contact these individuals well in advance of the Evaluation.  It would have been helpful to have a form created, however, there were only two questions that were answered in emails.  Generally speaking, most people under these circumstances are not going to have the necessary time to devote to providing lengthy answers.  Trying to copy a form, such as Survey Monkey, will not allow the transfer of their logo during the copy.  Hence, only the content information is provided.  The Evaluation process is important because we can be too close to our subject, while a more objective party can see any weakness.  Additionally, the suggestions of people who work in capacities as Program Directors have the established credibility of determining a program’s success.  As the information for the Blog was compiled, edited, and refined, it was forwarded to each group member to maintain communication and provide a status check of work performed.  A great deal was learned by studying the Blogs of former students.  It is important to commit to working diligently each day throughout the week while corresponding and communicating with colleagues on different aspects of the assignment.  Monday, phone calls were made and once contact was initiated, these were followed-up.  Upon receipt of the evaluations, they were input into a document draft outlining the requirements of the assignment.

     Tami secured four (4) evaluators while Dan outlined responsibilities as indicated in the Syllabus and our Group Tables.  We previously made an exception that we will remain flexible in our role assignments so each member participates where they are able.  Dan prepared the Table using the evaluations provided to him.  He then input those evaluations providing us with a brief summary of each submission, as required in our Syllabus.  Andrea also sent several requests for Evaluations using Survey Monkey.  She has received one response and is awaiting another.  When received, we will incorporate it into our evaluation.  Thinking ahead to our final presentation, Joe and Tami discussed considerations for the Final Presentation upcoming in our next assignment.  Chris and Tami worked together to finalize the document submission while additional input was provided by our colleagues as the work was edited and completed.  All correspondence between our members was conducted via email. Dan, Tami and Chris responded to Evaluations through response posts.  Tami posted our close-to-completion draft to edit the formatting issues we anticipate.  This time, the formatting issues consisted mainly of text alignment issues in the translation from Word to Blog.  This remedy appears a simple fix.  Joe reviewed our assignment to contrast alignment with our Syllabus and believes we are spot on.  On the final day, the responsibilities we each held were noted at the top of the Assignment, as instructed by the Syllabus.  After receiving Angela's two evaluations Sunday afternoon, Tami returned to the Blog to post Angela's work which included the Evaluations, responses, and chart summary of the two new Evaluators.  It is the end of day now.  Tami will update the responsibilities section at the top of the document to include the final posting.  We are now ready to conduct peer evaluations and will comment under Responsibilities when completed so that we can each receive our final grade on this assignment.

Evaluators	Ideas for improving program design	Revisions/Our responses
Charles Vaden - Retired Marine veteran - Former director of Program Services for Turnabout Ranch, Escalante, UT	Include and increase focus on the spiritual aspect of nature and its healing properties. A suggestion would be to use a hiking challenge course – this builds trust and implements somatic learning which recreates the capacity for adaptability.	Improvement of program design by: - creating a timeline to implement the activities throughout the 10-week course - extend the length of the program to allow the solutions given to be implemented
	Develop a pattern (paradigm) that takes into account the effect that systems have on creating the conditions that lead to PTSD behaviors. This involves Systems Theory, which deals with having systems in place to prevent the onset of PTSD.
Theresa Fears, MSW - Prevention Coordinator, Partnership 4 Safety Program, The Arc of Spokane	Since spirituality is the main theme, allow processes that accommodate diversity and include agnostics, atheists, and others. Project seems to be built with a Judeo-Christian framework.	Review of our program to ensure that no one is excluded from the opportunity to heal or grow on a spiritual level, regardless of their belief system
	Include the book “The Body Keeps the Score” in Literature Review. Ideas and concepts from this book are being used, but it is not cited in our literature review.
Karen Crull-Miller - SL Start, Employment Consultant, BA Social Services	(No ideas given for improvement – Karen states, “The intended audience will grasp this renewed vision for purposeful healing like a breath of fresh air.”)	n/a
John Murphy, AAC, CPC - Retired Army Veteran - Program Director Passages Family Support - Head of Department of Nursing, Gonzaga University	In your rationale, Vietnam was not listed. Why?	We need to be certain to be more specific and include this aspect in our final presentation, especially due to the importance of how Vietnam Veterans were treated upon their return to their country.
Keturah Haferkamp - Faculty, Triton College - Rhetoric/English Composition	Include field research where a focus group who experienced the program can participate and then conduct evaluations based on that focus group	Improvement to the design by:      - Include in our assessment of the program a focus group to provide feedback of the impact the spiritual learning will have on their learning.
Antigone Sharris     - Triton College: Coordinator/Engineering Technology    - Veteran, US Army Reserves	There are several items in the program design that need fixing with grammar and terminology. Also, we need measurable objectives and outcomes for the program.	Add achievable and measurable objectives and goals to program design.

 

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