What is the Pair Support Quality Rubric?

The Pair Support Quality Rubric is a tool that allows program supervisor to evaluate the quality of pair support by program staff.  The rubric is divided into 4 main categories outlined below. 

Supervisors of program staff evaluate performance in each category over the course of the program year to date each spring, using values of not meeting expectations, meeting expectations and exceeding expectations.  Each value carries a numeric score of 1, 2 and 3, respectively and program staff values are averaged for a final Pair Support Quality Score.  

Below are examples of what a PM might do if they are showing no evidence (1) , some evidence (2) or clear evidence (3) for each category.

Focus List

The Focus List serves as a tool for PMs to provide individualized support to a varied subset of their pairs. While it can seem obvious to reach out to pairs that aren’t communicating regularly or routinely standing each other up at events, it is important that the PM sets aside time to think about how they can best support all pairs. As an example, are there mentors who have been writing regularly, but maybe could use an added nudge to make their responses more personal to their mentees? Mentors who come to every event, but spend the entire time talking about their own experiences and not allowing their mentees to take more of a lead in the discussion? When thinking about the Focus List in your program, does your PM provide customized support to all of their pairs? Do they document this support appropriately and do they follow up on the action items that you discuss with them in their check-in’s?

Pair Support

In addition to checking in with pairs and documenting support in a timely manner, does the PM react and communicate appropriately when challenging situations arise? This includes responding in a timely manner with the appropriate tone and messaging to mentors, escalating safety concerns as prescribed, and addressing challenging topics appropriately.

Coaching Relationships

Focusing on and leveraging mentors’ and mentees’ strengths is essential in coaching pairs to success. Is the PM able to articulate and use participants’ strengths to strengthen their relationship and encourage their participation in the program? Additionally, does the PM encourage pairs to engage in the curriculum consistently by providing each pair with the specific support they might need to do so? Finally, it’s important for PMs to encourage the mentor to be the primary support for mentees (rather than the PM) wherever possible.

Use of Information

PMs should use all available information and resources to support mentees and mentors. This includes school staff, match support notes, and communication between mentors and mentees on the platform. Is the PM making timely and appropriate use of the resources available to support pairs, and reaching out for additional information or help when needed?

If you have need support of have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the Pair Support Quality Rubric, click here to contact the Research and Evaluation team.