A program demonstrates how it addresses continuous improvement of its operations and program management.
Rationale
An ACPE accredited program employs an action/reflection/action approach to continuous improvement of its operations and program management. Opportunity exists to discover strengths and limitations in an ACPE program’s operations, use of faculty and instructors, and the students’ experience of the program and its educational program for the purpose of improvement. Measurable and appreciable improvement advances the program’s standing with students, the public and other stakeholders.
Indicators
In assessing this area, reviewers will look at the program’s:
A. Plan for assessment of its operations and overall program that includes accountability for compliance with all ACPE Standards, Policies, and Procedures.
B. Utilization of a systematic and evidence-based plan/process at regular intervals to assess students’ experience of the learning environment from application to completion. For programs utilizing video conferencing for any portion of their program, reviewers will assess this plan/process separately.
C. Process for implementing improvements based upon assessment results
D. How the program chooses and assesses ACPE Certified Educators, faculty (non ACPE Certified Educators who are involved teaching didactics, mentoring, etc.), and Certified Educator Candidates. For programs utilizing video conferencing for any portion of their program, how the program assesses the educator’s ability to effectively utilize video conferencing.
E. Maintenance of their accreditation portfolio
F. Attention to accreditation requirements and the timely submission of all required forms
Items that must be included in the program’s portfolio:
- A written plan and procedure defining the program’s process for assessment of its operations and overall program, along with data analysis and the process for implementing change
- Summary of changes implemented resulting from assessment/review and the impact of those changes on the students’ experience of the learning environment, as gleaned from student survey/interview data analysis
- Description of the educator/faculty hiring and evaluation processes with a sample evaluation form