Developing a new reporting system is never easy. In our efforts to be accountable, we are challenged to respond to each of our funding sources to provide the kind of information they require to assess our work. As a result, we have a wide array of data that we collect and other information that is important but is not required. Multiply that by the number of individuals who are part of our system and you have an enormous challenge in developing a tool that is user friendly and offers us access to the critical data upon which many of us (myself included) depend.
The new MI PRS (Michigan Extension Planning and Reporting System) “Mippers” - as it is often called - was developed to meet that challenge. We’ll use it report on the community needs we address as identified by our stakeholders and key partners. Through the cycles of planning, implementing, evaluating, learning and changing we will improve and document our impacts. In essence, it is our blueprint and our recording device for planning and reporting. From the outset, we knew that we would need to conduct more thorough evaluations and collect additional data that, at times, go beyond the boundaries of MI PRS. When we find we need to do this, we still will want to capture the data and analysis from those supplemental evaluations in MI PRS, so we have a single source we can go to for data on our program outputs and outcomes.
I’d like to thank all of those involved who made MI PRS possible. Former associate director Michelle Rodgers, before she departed to take the helm at the Cooperative Extension at the University of Delaware, was the project lead. She made MI PRS happen. Erica Ciupak, director of ANR Technology Services, gave leadership to the software aspect of MI PRS with the help of Deb Mault, ANR Technology Services information technologist.
Bruce Haas helped in designing and adapting the new structure via institutes and work teams into the software design. Bruce implemented the training of MSUE staff in entering their individual plans based on institute work teams and customization that addresses local needs. Cheryl Peters, an evaluation specialist who assists staff with measurement of program evaluations and report writing, plays an important role in helping staff report outcomes and impacts into MI PRS.
With the change in our website, links to the MI PRS login page has changed. To find it, go to the ANR SharePoint site, click on the MSUE tab under links (lower right side) and then on the MI PRS login page. The direct URL for logging into MI PRS is https://web2.canr.msu.edu/nec/lmprs/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.home.
When you log into MI PRS, you will find a section called “Announcements” with links to resources. Under the 2012 State Plan you will find a PDF that links you to Word documents of 2012 Work Group Logic Models that are used when creating a new individual plan and using the wizard function. Educators should use their work team logic models to shape their individual plans. Educators and specialists should collaborate within their work teams in the planning process as well as in reporting.
Planning never starts with MI PRS. Planning starts with community needs and people. Once you have the plan, then you put it into MI PRS. Once you have made impact, you report it.
Other links on the MI PRS homepage include online trainings for both planning and reporting, list of themes in the narrative section, reporting leave days, SNAP-ED Activity Report and EIS Reports.
If you need help in deciding what to evaluate and measure, contact Peters. For assistance in putting your data into a working plan and into the MI PRS outcomes, contact Haas.
