Concept Mapping: An Approach for Evaluating a Public Alternative School Program

This article describes how concept mapping techniques were applied to evaluate the development of a solution-focused, public alternative school program. Concept Systems software was used to create 15 cluster maps based on statements generated from students, teachers, and school staff. In addition, pattern matches were analyzed to examine the degree of consensus between different groups and represent levels of agreement on the content of cluster maps. The findings appear to support teacher, administrator, and staff adherence to the solution-focused approach in the alternative school. What students thought was important in helping them achieve academic success were clusters that centered on relationships and future goals. Teachers, administrators, and staff also viewed relationships as important, but they rated more concrete aspects of the school and goal-setting as being more important. Concept mapping appears to be a useful program evaluation methodology for school social workers to consider and a valuable tool for examining complex problems and solutions within school organizations.