Editors\u27 Introduction to This Special Issue

This issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension describes the initial work of the Task Force and then focuses on conclusions and implications from the ECOP-commissioned Health Implementation Action Teams. The purpose of this special issue is to feature the scholarship emanating from the Action Teams and to host that scholarship in one volume to showcase the depth and breadth of work accomplished by the teams. This work speaks to the future of Cooperative Extension. David Buys and Sonja Koukel served as Co-Editors for this special issue

Discovering What Makes Urban Extension Unique Within the Interdependent Urban–Rural Continuum: Editors’ Introduction to the Urban Extension-Themed Issue of JHSE

This special issue continues JHSE’s commitment to promoting the practical implications of research – the goal of this issue is to add to the national conversation on urban Extension through a diverse collection of articles for decision makers to efficiently draw upon as they consider urban dynamics and Extension investments. The intent is not to diminish the importance of rural and suburban Extension work but is to better understand unique characteristics of Extension in urban communities. Ultimately, Extension innovation along the entire rural–urban continuum creates connections and impacts that align with Extension’s mission.Authors address the distinct aspects of Extension in urban settings through meaningful examples of research, practice, and theory related to Extension positioning, programs, personnel, and partnerships. Contributing authors review historical foundations, current applications, and future influences of urban Extension. This special issue highlights the work of invited authors who have specializations in urban Extension and who represent a range of geographic perspectives. These authors’ distinct circumstances and varied experiences collectively benefit Extension. Common themes include engaging diverse stakeholders, valuing partnerships, mobilizing limited resources, and implementing Extension’s relevant approach to technical and human dimensions of innovation in metropolitan communities

Editors’ Introduction to This Special Issue

This issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension focuses on both of these questions and provides readers with in-depth exposure to the meaning of credible and actionable evidence of program effectiveness and quality and how it can be addressed within an organization. The ten articles in this issue cover the basics of what credible and actionable evidence is; how such evidence can be identified, measured, and collected; how credible and actionable evidence can differ depending on different levels of an organization and the stakeholders wanting the evidence; how organizations can build capacity to collect credible and actionable evidence; and how this evidence can best be presented to program stakeholders

Organizational Capacity Survey: Capturing an Extension System\u27s Current State and Pinpointing Areas for Improvement

An organizational capacity survey (OCS) can reveal gaps in what an organization is doing and what an organization\u27s employees feel the organization should be doing. Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension conducted an OCS to assess perceptions of MSU Extension\u27s vision and commitment, plan of work, working relationships, diversity and pluralism, public value, personnel knowledge and expertise, and training needs. Questions were designed to measure perceptions of how MSU Extension is currently and how it should be ideally. This design allowed discrepancy scores to be calculated to identify areas in which capacity development was needed or desired that could then be addressed through state-based professional development

Revising Curricula Through the Use of Lesson Study

The lesson study methodology allows Extension educators to reflect on instructional practices and gather formative data that can be used to refine curricula. We trained Extension educators and formed a community of practice (CoP) of agents who used the lesson study method to inform improvements of a 4-H coding curriculum. The CoP planned and set goals, implemented the lesson, shared formative data, and strategized on how to improve subsequent lessons. They found the lesson study method to be an effective tool for engaging the specialist, other agents, and youths in meaningful dialogue so that curriculum goals could be met

More Tips: Communicating with Institutional Review Boards Over the Course of Your Project

This article focuses on the continuing review process required by Institutional Review Boards. It is a follow-up to a series of recent articles designed to help Extension Professionals navigate the university IRB process. The authors present general guidelines for the continuing review process and offer some issues and tips for success

More Tips: What If a Cooperative Extension Professional Must Work with Native American Institutional Review Boards?

This article focuses on working with tribal IRBs to conduct research or evaluations of projects on tribal lands. It is a follow up to a series of four recent articles designed to help Extension Professionals navigate the university IRB process. The authors use their experience with a community assessment project conducted in one small, remote community located on the Navajo Nation to illustrate some of the issues and tips for success