Program Check-In: Is Your Curriculum Still Meeting the Mark?

At this point in the year, many agencies have launched new groups, onboarded staff, and navigated an array of competing priorities. On the surface, things may look like they’re running smoothly—clients are attending sessions, facilitators are logging hours, and reports are getting submitted on time.

But this is the perfect moment to pause and ask an important question:

Is your curriculum still doing the job you need it to do?

It’s common for agencies to choose a program and then stick with it for years without reconsideration. But the truth is—people change. Teams evolve. Client needs shift. And without intentional check-ins, even the most well-designed programs can lose relevance or impact.

Signs It Might Be Time for a Curriculum Review

Here are a few signs it may be time to take a fresh look at your current programming:

• Engagement isn’t what it used to be
• Facilitators are struggling with consistency or buy-in
• Staff turnover has led to training or implementation gaps
• You’re seeing repeat clients who’ve already completed the curriculum
• Program content no longer aligns with current offense types or risk levels

If any of these resonate, now may be the right time to reassess.

What a Curriculum Check-In Can Reveal

A program review doesn’t need to be a major undertaking. It can be as simple as stepping back to evaluate:

• Fit – Does the curriculum still reflect the needs of your current population?
• Fidelity – Are facilitators delivering it as intended?
• Support – Do facilitators have the training, tools, and confidence they need?
• Outcomes – Are clients walking away with skills they can apply in real life?

Even small adjustments can make a measurable difference—like selecting Cognitive Life Skills for Women instead of a more general program, or providing refresher training when group dynamics shift.

How Crossroads Can Support Your Program Check-In

At Crossroads, our commitment doesn’t end with the sale. We partner with agencies and facilitators throughout the life of the program to ensure success. Whether you’re serving youth or adults, working with low-risk or high-need clients, we offer targeted options to help you respond effectively.

Consider programs like:

• JOBTEC – For clients preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce
• Misdemeanor Offenses – A short-term, impactful intervention
• Truancy – Support for youth struggling with chronic absenteeism
• Cognitive Life Skills for Women – A gender-responsive approach to core skills

If your team has experienced transitions or your client base has shifted, it may be time to explore how your programming can evolve too.

We’re Here When You’re Ready:

Whether it’s training new staff, refreshing program options, or reviewing what’s no longer working, the team at NCTI is here to support you.

Your clients deserve more than a program that “checks the box.” Let’s make sure your curriculum is still doing the job you need it to do. There is no one-size-fits-all—and that’s exactly the point.

Reach out to our account manager, Lindsay Boyd, at lboyd@ncti.org to talk through your program needs or schedule a quick check-in.