Logic Model Toolkit Quick Reference Guide & Annotated Logic Model Template JANUARY 2016 Logic Model Quick Reference Guide The AEM Logic Model Quick Reference Guide offers a step-by-step approach to creating logic models. Based on a review and synthesis of the logic model literature and AEM’s extensive experience using logic models to manage large-scale projects effectively, this guide is intended to provide you with the essential information and guidance needed to create a logic model from scratch. Like a roadmap, a logic model provides ALL ABOUT LOGIC MODELS you with the “major highways” to reach your WHAT A LOGIC MODEL IS & IS NOT ultimate destination. A work plan that is aligned to your logic model can help you A logic model is a planning tool to clarify and graphically display what a project intends to do and zoom in to a “street-level” view to navigate what it hopes to accomplish and impact. A logic model successfully to your destination on time. describes basic program components and shows the logic underlying the relationships among resources, planned activities, and desired outcomes over time from ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR LOGIC MODELS planning to results.1 Simply, a logic model is an if-then chain connecting planned activities to intended results. While logic models may vary by project based on project parameters, there are essential elements common across A logic model is not the same as a theory of change or all logic models. The AEM Annotated ED Services Logic theory of action. A theory of change explains the causal Model Template illustrates how these essential elements relationship between program activities and intended can be incorporated into a logic model. results through a “so that” chain, answering the question, “Why?” A theory of action describes a specific pathway 1. Key logic model components: or flow of action for achieving intended results. A theory of action operationalizes a theory of change. a. Inputs (i.e., resources) b. Strategies / Activities clustered into categories PURPOSES OF LOGIC MODELS c. Outputs 1. Planning: A logic model can serve as a planning d. Outcomes that are meaningful and measureable tool to map out basic program components that e. Assumptions bridges the gap between a project in its initial stages and the intended outcomes. f. External Factors with identified risks 2. Management: Because a logic model connects 2. Consistent use of key terms, as defined in Key Terms resources, strategies, and outcomes, it can be the 3. Explicit logical connections from each strategy basis of a work plan. A logic model can also help through outputs to long-term outcomes, using monitor and track projects. arrows 3. Evaluation: A logic model describes what and when to evaluate; the outcomes can be used as ADVANTAGES OF LOGIC MODELS metrics for an evaluation. Logic models offer a multitude advantages, including: 4. Communication: A logic model is a simple and • Increase the consistency in the delivery of technical clear graphical representation of a project that can assistance help communicate what a project is and what it intends to achieve. • Maintain a common focus for customers and partners • Provide an implementation plan 2 | LOGIC MODEL TOOLKIT EDUCATION SERVICES | • Prioritize what matters most to achieving results • External Factors: List any real or anticipated • Offer an easy way to monitor a project political, social, or economic conditions that may affect your project. Include any risks. External • Serve as a roadmap for effective implementation factors are dynamic: Be sure to review and update • Guide evaluation them regularly. • Create and maintain clear parameters for project • Strategies: Identify strategies (or activities) you are work plans implementing in your project. If you also choose to include Activities, add them directly under the • Provide a synthesized high-level description of respective Strategies. List each strategy separately. a complex project that can be communicated succinctly • Outputs: For each Strategy, define the Output (or direct product) of what you are planning to do. For • Help keep partners on track example, if the Strategy is “building the capacity of • Build consensus about what matters most among grantees,” an Output could be “training sessions.” a variety of stakeholders • Short-Term Outcomes: Define the changes that are • Help new employees or partners quickly most closely associated with the Outputs. understand a project in its entirety • Intermediate Outcomes: Define the changes that are most closely associated with Short-Term STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR CREATING A Outcomes. LOGIC MODEL • Long-Term Outcomes: Define the changes that The steps in this section offer a structured process are most closely associated with Long-Term for creating logic models aligned with the essential Outcomes. These provide the data needed to elements. This section is organized by five key steps: measure a project’s goals. Prepare, Map, Cluster, Link, and Verify. Step 3: Cluster The Annotated Logic Model Template, included on Putting together common Strategies helps to create page 6, offers a sample logic model that includes all coherence in a logic model. Look across the Strategies key components and essential elements along with to see how they are connected: What categories detailed guidance and tips. emerge? Cluster Strategies that hang together and View here. label them by category. Then cluster Outputs and Outcomes, respectively, using the same categories. Step 1: Prepare Start by thinking about your project goals. Backwards Step 4: Link mapping from these big ideas to the logic model will Use arrows to show logical linkages between logic ensure alignment. model components. Every Strategy should be linked to at least one Output, and every Output to at least one Step 2: Map Outcome. These connections show a logical if-then There is no one way to create logic models. This sequence. If you have clustered the components, section describes the key components of logic models you can show linkages between the clusters (versus and the essential elements. Examples are provided for individual Strategies, Outputs, and Outcomes). Inputs each key component. can be linked to strategies as a whole (versus one-to- • Inputs: List and document tangible and intangible one basis). Use arrows to reflect any other important resources available for your project. connections exist between, for example, different Outputs, or any other logic model components. • Assumptions: Generate a list of underlying reasons describing why the Strategies are believed Step 5: Verify to achieve the Outcomes. Common sources of assumptions are research and collective Make sure that every Strategy is linked to an Output, wisdom. This step is often recursive and happens and every Output leads to an Outcome. There should throughout the development process. be a logical progression from the left to the right that is easily understood by any stakeholder. Key questions to consider in the verification process are: The important thing is to depict all of the logical • Are all essential elements included? connections in the context of an originating • Is the level of detail specific enough to situation and make the implicit explicit.2 describe the relationship between logic model components? | EDUCATION SERVICES LOGIC MODEL TOOLKIT | 3 • Is there a sound logical progression from TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS Strategies, through Outputs, to Outcomes? Is the logic sound both ways: from left to right and from There are two technology enabled logic model options right to left? that stand out for your consideration: • Is the Logic Model aligned to the “big ideas” for GRADS360° Logic Model Portal: Created by AEM for your project? the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top- • Do the outcomes reflect meaningful and District (RTT-D) program, this tool enables uploaded attainable changes? logic models to link to work plans in GRADS360°, where it can be viewed by multiple stakeholders. Contact AEM for a demo. See how in the Contact Us section on p. 4. Key Logic Model Components Defined The Education Logic Model (ELM) application: Created by the Regional Education Lab (REL) for the Activities: Actions needed to implement a Pacific region, ELM is an interactive tool that guides users project (e.g., “Provide training”); or “What do we through the development of a logic model. View here. do?” KEY RESOURCES Assumptions: Underlying reasons or beliefs describing why the Strategies are believed to Using Logic Models to Bring Together Planning, achieve the Outcomes Evaluation, & Action: A Logic Model Development Guide External Factors: Environmental changes that Author: WK Kellogg Foundation can affect program implementation and success Year: 2004 (e.g., political, social, economic) Source: View here. Inputs: Human, financial, and material Logic Models: A Tool for Effective Program Planning, Collaboration, and Monitoring resources; both tangible (e.g., equipment) and Authors: Kekahio, L., Cicchinelli, L., Lawnton, B., & intangible (e.g., partners) Brandon, P. R. Year: 2014 Intermediate Outcomes: Changes in behavior Source: View here. or environmental conditions, typically attainable in 3-4 years Learning From Logic Models: An Example of a Family/School Partnership Program Long-Term Outcomes: Changes in the overall Authors: Coffman, J. conditions in a population or environment, Year: 1999 typically attainable in 5 or more years Source: View here. Outcomes: Changes or benefits expected How to Build a Logic Model: Tips for Conducting to result