The TREAD Unit collects, gathers, analyzes and reports on findings generated from small scale analysis. One of the APP’s guidelines falls in TREAD’s area of work.
“We strive to be responsible stewards of resources, services and staff, as well as being accountable to stakeholders, funders, and participants.”
TREAD is also responsible for the carrying out the following tasks, components of the Department’s infrastructure.
“Assess, evaluate, and document progress toward goals and objectives to ensure wise investment of resources.”
Among the data and evaluation tasks that fall under the periphery of the TREAD Unit is to assist the Department to measure progress of its Goals:
The Technology, Research, Data and Evaluation (TREAD) unit is charged the design and implementation of a research agenda for APP; provides consultation and support for the evaluation of APP programs; assists staff in the development of surveys and/or assessment tools; develops and maintains the APP database; and, addresses the technology needs of APP. Specifically, the TREAD Unit provides support in these four areas:
Technology
The technology responsibilities of the TREAD unit includes upgrades, installations, maintenance, and desktop support to ensure staff has the tools, systems, and knowledge to operate their programs. Also included in technology support is website design and maintenance.
Research
TREAD research activities includes design, development, and consultation to identify programmatic areas and appropriate research methods (i.e., impact evaluation, program improvement, cost analysis, etc.) to assess efficiency and/or efficacy.
Evaluation
The role of TREAD in regards to evaluation includes implementing a research design, collecting data from multiple sources, (i.e., participation data, survey data, diagnostic scores, etc.), conducting analysis, and reporting findings.
Data
This includes collecting valid and reliable data; creating coding schemes; entering accurate data; following quality control protocols; and protecting the confidentiality of data.