Standard 2. Element Three: Use of Data for Program Improvement

 

The unit regularly and systematically uses data, including candidate and graduate performance assessment results, to evaluate the efficacy of its courses, programs, field experiences and clinical practice. In the fall of 2004, the Unit hired a Coordinator of Assessment and Educational Technology whose primary job responsibilities are to monitor the assessments generated by the Unit and facilitate in the alignment, collection, and analysis of data for the Unit. An Associate Dean was also hired to lead the Unit as it completed its self-study and serve as Unit Head. The Associate Dean has established policies and procedures to monitor and manage changes to the professional education programs and ensure that changes and modifications occur based on data. Many improvements and changes for the programs were implemented based on recommendations from the Virginia Department of Education and Unit initiatives to improve passage rates Praxis I and II. Since the fall 2005 semester, a collaborative method of program improvement and curriculum change has been implemented in which programs collect data and the Unit aggregates the data. The advent of the focus groups has helped to further the collaborative process and initiate changes to programs at the Unit level that are aligned with the conceptual framework. 

 

During the 2004-2005 school year, the Unit instituted a candidate feedback survey to allow pre-candidates and candidates the opportunity to share the strengths and weaknesses in the Professional Education Programs Unit. The data collected from this assessment has guided some changes in Unit operations and the curriculum. With the recent acquisition of the CampusTools™ HigherEd system, the Unit is using technology to collect data and establish common assessments across the Unit at the initial and advanced levels. CampusTools™ HigherEd will also give the Unit the opportunity to share information with Unit faculty. Candidates will also be able to view their progress and completion of the transition points as they matriculate through the program. The Unit has made great strides in collecting data and maintaining records on assessment data, but CampusTools™ HigherEd will give the Unit virtually unlimited capacity to collect, store, and analyze data for candidate and Unit improvement.