All too often, and perhaps especially in the afterschool field, staff see evaluation as a reporting duty they must fulfill rather than a useful tool. "Program quality" and "evaluation" do not have to be seen as two separate strands of work.

Christina Russell, managing director of Policy Studies Associates, leads studies focused on expanded learning opportunities and their role in promoting positive social and emotional outcomes for youth in grades K-12.

Russell has extensive experience designing and managing studies that employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess the implementation and impact of education and youth development initiatives. She is currently leading evaluation projects for The Afterschool Corporation, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the Asia Society.

Click here to listen to NAA President Gina Warner's Quality Conversation with Christina Russell.