CYFERnet Submission Evaluation Criteria

The following are the evaluation criteria used by the editorial boards during the review process for resources submitted to the CYFERNet Website.

All resources will be rated by the following standards:

1) Readability (clarity of expression)

• Language and vocabulary is appropriate for the end user.
• Appropriate paragraph and sentence structure is used to support the central idea and conclusions.
• Acceptable standards of spelling and grammar are met.

2) Usefulness

• Intended audience can be quickly and easily identified.
• Current knowledge about children, youth, families and parents, or communities is expanded or updated.
• Challenging or thought-provoking ideas are offered.
• Suggestions for practical applications are provided.
• Instructions/procedures are easy to understand and implement.
• Teaching methods are appropriate for intended audience.
• Quality of illustrations, graphics, written, audio, or video material is satisfactory.

3) Research/Knowledge Based

• Content is based on current theory, research, and/or credible sources of information or practice.
• Resources for further information are included.

4) Inclusivity

• Ideas and principles are respectful to gender, religion, ethnicity, first language, age, varied physical and mental abilities, sexual/ affectional orientation, work background, income, marital experiences, geographic location, parental status, education, etc.
• Inclusive language is used.
• Visual materials reflect diversity.
• Language is free of organizational or professional jargon.
• Teaching methodologies are broad enough to be culturally adaptive.

5) Consistent with Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) philosophy which says that effective programming for children, youth and families at risk:

• exemplifies a community-based, holistic philosophy;
• promotes partnerships with citizens;
• addresses complex conditions;
• solicits and values diversity;
• instills collaboration;
• combines a coherent spectrum of services;
• is accessible and respectful of people; and
• bolsters resiliency.
• [Note: For a more detailed description of the CYFAR philosophy visit the CYFAR website.]

In addition to the above criteria, resources reviewed as Class 2 will also be evaluated on the following:

• Theory or research base is explicitly linked to information and practice.
• Information sources are identified.
• Persuasive argument is presented in logical manner.

In addition to the above criteria, resources reviewed as Class 3 will also be evaluated on the following:

• Is based on original research (if resource reports a research study).
• Uses unique methods and/or produces timely or unusual findings.
• Addresses generalizability of content to other audiences or contexts.
• Addresses limitations of study/materials.
• Includes a current and balanced review of the related literature.
• Evaluations of assessment instruments are included or referenced.
• Curriculum packages include all materials and information needed for implementation.
• Curriculum packages include information on the piloting of the curriculum.