In the context of afterschool programs, which type of assessment primarily measures participant outcomes?

Outcomes-based assessment is focused specifically on measuring the results of an afterschool program on its participants. This type of assessment evaluates the effectiveness of the program in achieving specific goals related to participant outcomes such as skill development, academic progress, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being. By concentrating on these tangible outcomes, this assessment provides insights into how the program contributes to the growth and development of the students involved.

In contrast, process-based assessment evaluates the methods and practices employed in running the program, while goal-based assessment focuses on whether the program met its established goals without specifically measuring the outcomes experienced by participants. Performance-based assessment typically evaluates participants' skills or abilities through demonstrations or projects, again not directly measuring the broader impact on their development as outcomes-based assessment does.

Thus, outcomes-based assessment stands out because it directly correlates program activities and interventions with measurable benefits to the participants, making it an essential tool in understanding and improving the quality of afterschool programs.