Effective Extension educational work requires that reports be timely, accurate, concise, and complete. Reporting is an element of Extension work that most agents will tell you is not the most favorite part of their job. Some County Extension Agents do an excellent job of programming, but fail to capture their accomplishments in monthly reports. John Campbell (1995) in his book Reclaiming a Lost Heritage emphasized the public accountability importance of reporting by stating, "taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being prudently extended in society's best interest" (p.140).
Due to the oversight of various funding partners it is imperative that Texas AgriLife Extension Service account for all educational activities and contacts. Failure to report these performance measures can severely impact appropriated funding. Reporting is fundamental to comprehensive Extension programs and should be treated as a significant part of Agents professional obligations. Reporting should be thought of as tool to modify and improve educational programs, as well as to communicate program progress and results to faculty, staff, planning committees, elected officials, clientele, and Extension Administrators.
District Extension Administrators and County Extension Directors should continually monitor Agent reports to ensure that all Agents develop a system for maintaining records and documentation for reporting purposes. All reports should contain the following:
- Who are targeted audiences for program/activity and the number attending?
- What issue is being addressed and subject matter covered?
- When did the program/activity take place?
- The impact of the program/activity. Adoption of practices, knowledge gained or behavioral changes should be reported.
Reference
Campbell, J.R. (1995). Reclaiming a Lost Heritage. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press.
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