MODE Framework

ECA’s primary means of collecting monitoring data is through the Monitoring Data for ECA (MODE) Framework. The MODE Framework features a common set of goals, objectives, and indicators measured across ECA programs to demonstrate the contributions of ECA programming. Designed to track program performance and the direction, pace, and magnitude of change for ECA programs, the MODE Framework strengthens the Bureau’s feedback mechanisms and supports more effective programming.

The MELI Unit worked closely and collaboratively with ECA program teams, senior leadership, implementing partners, Regional Bureaus, and select Embassies to develop the MODE Framework to ensure it reflects data needs across stakeholder groups. The MODE Framework allows ECA to standardize and utilize its data in the following ways:

  • Assess data and performance metrics to enhance program performance;
  • Inform strategic planning activities at the Bureau, division, and individual program levels;
  • Supplement the information ECA Program Officers receive from implementing partners and program participants to provide a comprehensive view of programmatic activities;
  • Respond quickly and reliably to ad-hoc requests from Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and internal Department of State stakeholders.

 

MODE Participant Survey

Immediately following the completion of an ECA program, all participants receive a survey with standard MODE questions. The MODE Participant Survey allows ECA to measure intended short-term outcomes by assessing participant perceptions of how the program potentially impacted new knowledge and skills, their cross-cultural competency, and new connections. The MELI Unit has developed a set of core documents that explain the MODE Framework in more detail and support stakeholders in collecting data from participants. For access to the complete list of indicators and survey questions for the MODE Participant Survey, please see the MODE Participant Indicator Book.

 

MODE Survey Builder

MELI has created a guided tool (the MODE Survey Builder) within the Qualtrics survey platform for ECA implementing partners to generate surveys to facilitate the seamless collection and reporting of MODE Framework data at no cost. The MODE Survey Builder has pre-programmed MODE survey questions in the platform to allow for faster survey setup so implementing partners can more easily distribute their MODE post-program surveys.

The MODE Survey Builder offers a number of benefits, including:

  • A guided workflow to generate ready-to-send MODE surveys to participants
  • The ability to add custom questions to the survey
  • A standard template report for a quick overview of survey results

For more information on using the MODE Survey Builder, please see the MODE Survey Builder User Guide.

 

MODE Alumni Survey

Administered at four key milestones—one, three, five, and ten years after program completion—the MODE Alumni Survey serves as a strategic mechanism for measuring the long-term outcomes and effectiveness of ECA programs. The MODE Alumni Survey allows ECA to collect data across programs to assess alumni perceptions of how they have achieved the intended long-term objectives of ECA programs, such as career progression, retention and use of skills and knowledge, building networks, and contributions to their professional fields, their communities, and the wider global community. ECA’s MELI Unit administers the MODE Alumni Survey.

For access to the complete list of indicators and survey questions for the MODE Alumni Survey, please see the MODE Alumni Indicator Book.

 

MODE Resources

For a comprehensive list of all MODE resources and guidance documents (including MyGrants training, reporting checklist, and a complete list of MODE indicators), please see the MODE Resource Guide.

Have questions? Please use the MODE Troubleshooter to address frequently asked questions or schedule office hours.

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