Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Nova Training Model

In this study the effectiveness of the Nova training model for training foster parents was examined. A pre-test and post-test was designed to assess change in attitudes and knowledge of parenting skills over a six session training program. Thirty foster parents were given a pre-test before training and a post-test upon completion of training. The data analysis showed that training increased significantly the knowledge of the trainees about foster parenting, but attitudes about foster parenting did not change significantly. The finding that training increased foster parenting knowledge needs to be viewed with some caution because other factors, which were not controlled, may be involved. Although education and age were significant correlates on the pre-test scores, there were no significant differences on the post-test scores. Other demographic differences between the trainees at pre-test, also disappeared at post-test. These findings show that training can effectively remove the effects of such differences as education, experience, and socioeconomic status