Dear Dr. NAACLS

The Essentials require that we have a continuing system for reviewing the program and use results of program evaluation in modifying the curriculum. Can you expand upon what this means and how can we be sure that we are doing what we need to do?

Signed,

Overburdened Program Director

Dear Overburdened:

Program evaluation is a critical component of an accredited program. Continuous evaluation means that it occurs throughout the accredited period, whether the period is seven years or only two. The continuous process must be directly related to the institutional mission and goals. There must be a clear understanding of what results are desired, and a sense of what the priorities for program improvement may be.

To meet the intent of the Essentials, program directors must manage an evaluation process that:

• Identifies outcome measures (results of the educational process)
  
• Collects relevant data (both qualitative and quantitative)
  
• Assesses the data in relationship to measurable goals
  
• Identifies plans to improve program quality
  
• Acts on changes for improvement
  

Program directors must use outcome measures for analyzing data and identifying actions and plans to improve the program. The pass rate of program graduates on certification exams is important, but it is only one measure of program effectiveness. Programs must have outcome measures for all graduates, even if they do not take certification exams. Other measures include success rates on comprehensive exams, graduation rates, placement rates, etc.

Program directors are directly responsible for conducting planning to improve the program's quality but should enlist the help of faculty and administrators in the process. If goals and plans are not accomplished, the program director should identify how these may be achieved in the future or why it is necessary to modify the goals and plans. When goals are met, the program director should identify future plans that will move the program and the profession forward.

Sincerely,

Dr. NAACLS

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