*NEW GUIDEBOOK ALERT* Sorry, Pre-Ordering Period has ended!
The Book will be released February 15, 2026 on Amazon at the regular price. Join our mailing list to receive notification
what is the progressive outcomes scale logic model?
The POSLM History
The Progressive Outcomes Scale Logic Model (POSLM) methodology, developed by Quisha Brown, was designed to address disparities—an issue magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic—by embedding an equity focus into program evaluation. Recognizing the limitations of traditional logic models in capturing the long-term social impact of equity-driven initiatives, the POSLM provides a structured approach to assessing progressive improvements in racial and economic disparities. This methodology is particularly well-suited for value-based social and human service programs, which prioritize holistic, person-centered outcomes over purely quantitative metrics or fee-for-service models.
Unlike traditional evaluation frameworks that rely heavily on standardized success measures, the POSLM enables organizations to track meaningful progress through staged outcome measurement. Rather than focusing solely on final outputs, this approach defines short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes as “Stage 1,” “Stage 2,” and “Stage 3”, respectively. These stages reflect the real-life progression of individuals and communities in overcoming racial and economic barriers. Organizations assess their impact by tracking the percentage of participants who achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) at each stage, providing a nuanced view of transformation over time. Importantly, these KPIs are not predefined by funders or institutions but are identified through community needs assessments and focus groups, ensuring that evaluation remains responsive to lived experiences and systemic inequities.
To maintain clarity and focus, KPIs are categorized rather than displayed individually within the logic model, preventing unnecessary complexity while still allowing for comprehensive tracking. A detailed appendix provides the full range of KPIs, which might include factors such as literacy levels, financial stability, and employment access—critical indicators of racial equity progress.
By structuring evaluation around progressive improvements rather than rigid, quantitative benchmarks, the POSLM methodology better aligns with value-based service models that seek to create sustainable, systemic change. This approach not only clarifies the causal pathways leading to desired outcomes but also strengthens an organization's ability to articulate an “if, then” theory of change—demonstrating how incremental progress in racial equity leads to long-term social and economic transformation.
