The Comprehensive Program Assessment System (COMPASS)

Compass is a secure database management and evaluation tool that expedites data entry, organizes program participant data, generates reports, and conducts statistical analyses to evaluate program success.

It is not a generic, one-size-fits-all system. In addition to a set of core modules to address elements common across educational programs, Compass is tailored to specific program needs in terms of data entry, reports, and analyses.

Compass complies with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. Data remain within the secure Compass system at the program location, while still allowing for data entry across multiple sites.

COMPASS System Features

Data Entry Screens

These are user-friendly, customized screens designed to facilitate data entry of program services and activities information. These data are collected for all program participants (e.g., students, parents, and faculty). The screens include drop-down menu options, batch entry features, and accuracy prompts.

Database Integration

CoBro computer specialists coordinate electronic transmission of student demographic and academic outcomes data directly into the Compass system. The system integrates the program participation data with academic outcomes information such as course grades, GPA, and standardized test scores. Databases are developed for both participant and control groups.

Automated Reports

COMPASS provides user-defined, pre-formatted reports. Participation reports show program service usage and needs. Cohort profile reports present academic outcomes the user can disaggregate by student demographics. Mandatory data reports automatically generate the specified data required by state and federal agencies.

Statistical Analysis

Compass provides a series of statistics options in a user-friendly drop-down menu format. Both descriptive statistics (e.g., means and frequencies) and inferential statistics (e.g., correlations, chi-squares, t-tests) are available. This enables the user to examine the effects of individual program elements as well as determine overall program impact.

Analysis Results

Analysis results are displayed in simple tables. Depending on the particular analysis, graphs are also presented. A simple text statement under the results table reports whether or not the analysis reached statistical significance.

CoBro Consulting is not associated or affiliated with ACT, Inc., or the COMPASS ® trademark owned by ACT, Inc.