Outcomes & Performance Measurement

"You've got to think about the 'big things' while doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction."
— Alvin Toffler

Performance measures are tools to assess how well a state agency is meeting the Plan's goals, as well as progress toward realizing the vision set forth in the Plan. There are several different categories of performance measures: Outcome; Output; Impact; Input.

The following are definitions of performance measures as used in the Government Performance Results Act of 1993:

• Outcome measure GPRA Definition: An assessment of the results of a program compared to its intended purpose.
  

• Output measure GPRA Definition: A tabulation, calculation, or recording of activity or effort that can be expressed in a quantitative or qualitative manner.

• Impact measure GPRA Definition: A measure of the direct or indirect effect or consequence resulting from achieving program goals.

Input measure GPRA Definition: A measure of the resources used to achieve an outcome (e.g., employees, funding, etc.)

• Are needed data currently being collected to measure the results of activities set forth in the Plan?

• What new data will need to be collected?

• How will the new data be collected?

• What needs to happen in order to collect the needed data (e.g., changes in software, new reporting requirements)?

• Is the benefit of the new data sufficient to justify added expenditures and reporting requirements?

• Developing reliable and valid performance measures is critical to documenting the success of the Aging Network
  

• Documenting success is essential to receive increased federal, state, and local funds

• Communicating performance information to the public demonstrates the Aging Network is accountable and responsible

• Performance measurement supports Quality Improvement efforts

• Performance Measures should take into account the Older Americans Act 2006 Amendments

• Performance Measures should reflect the state response to the AoA Strategic Action Plan 2007-2012

For the measures to meet the varied needs for information, a variety of people should be involved in the various development stages of performance measures. Examples may include:

• Citizens to inform the development of desired outcomes to benefit consumers and the performance information needed by citizens to understand the work and accomplishments of the agency.

• The Administration on Aging and other key federal agencies to inform the development of measures that support federal strategic plans.

• The Governor's Office and State Legislature to identify accomplishments for management decision making and communications to the Governor and the legislators.

• Program administrators to inform the development of consumer outcomes, service performance, provider agency performance, and service quality.

• Planners and program developers to identify measures useful for program development and planning for the future.

Under GPRA every federal agency is required to develop performance measures. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) assesses each agency program using the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). The PART was developed to assess and improve program performance so that the federal government can achieve better results. A PART review helps identify a program's strengths and weaknesses to inform funding and management decisions aimed at making the program more effective. The PART, therefore, looks at all the factors that affect and reflect program performance, including:

• Program purpose and design

• Performance measurement, evaluations, and strategic planning

• Program management

• Results
  

Because PART includes a consistent series of analytical questions, it allows programs to show improvements over time, and allows comparisons between similar programs. Visit ExpectMore.gov for information on the Administration on Aging PART Review.

The PART results are included in the President's annual budget request alongside the appropriation request for each program. In order for the Administration on Aging to meet its performance requirements, it must collect data from the states.

At the state level, performance measurement requirements vary significantly from state to state. Some states require state agencies to report performance to the public. Others require performance measure data for making funding and management decisions.

• Administration on Aging. National Survey of Older Americans Act Programs

• Hatry, Harry P., Donald M. Fisk, John R. Hall, Jr., Philip S. Schaenman, and Louise Snyder. 2004. How Effective Are Your Community Services? Procedures for Performance Measurement, Third Edition. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association and The Urban Institute.

• Office of Management and Budget. 1995. Primer on Performance Measurement. Washington, DC

• Performance-Based Management Special Interest Group. 2001. Establishing an Integrated Performance Measurement System. Vol. II, Performance-Based Management Handbook

• Performance Review Study Team. 1997. Serving the American Public: Best Practices in Performance Measurement Study Report Washington, DC: National Performance Review.