On their own, student learning and development outcomes assessment data have limited utility for improving programming. We believe outcomes data should not be collected until two fundamental questions can be answered: "Why should this programming result in the desired outcome?" (i.e., program theory) and "Was the intended…

This paper explores the notion of impact in the context of academic development programs and considers how it can be described and understood. We argue that impact has a range of meanings and academic development programs such as graduate certificates have a broad group of stakeholders and hence the impact is different for each group depending on…

A good assessment plan combines many direct and indirect measures to validate the collected data. One often controversial assessment measure comes in the form of retention exams. Although assessment retention exams may come with faults, others advocate for their inclusion in program assessment. Objective-based tests may offer insight to…

The human resources management literature offers considerable evidence that mentoring programs can positively influence a variety of measures of both individual and organizational performance. This study examines the use and effectiveness of faculty mentoring programs at business schools in the United States. A survey of 118 schools accredited by…

The purpose of this research was to document the extent to which Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)-accredited business schools have implemented strategies to improve students' ability to achieve program learning objectives. Assessment of academic programs is increasingly important at AACSB schools. Compliance with…

A former Teach for America recruit who completed her training in a university-based program compares the two approaches to teacher preparation. In Teach for America, she learned how to design units and prepare lesson plans; in her university-based program, she had the time to learn from master teachers and build valuable skills, then practice…

Describes the development of an annual Engineering Concepts Institute designed for high school graduates beginning studies in engineering or architecture. Major emphasis is on Engineering Problems and related mathematical concepts. (Author/GS)

Different approaches to evaluation are described: systems analysis, behavioral objectives, professional review, and case study. For an evaluation system to operate, it must be perceived as being fair; the legitimacy of evaluation is dependent on the issue of fairness. (MLW)

A three-year project was conducted to develop a competency-based college major aimed at preparing contemporary nurses, both basic preservice and degree completion R.N.'s to deliver family-centered care in acute settings or community health settings. The competency-based major was developed using a conceptual framework that introduces…

This guide is intended to assist individuals (including deans, department heads, project directors, supervisors of inservice education, and directors of professional development) who are responsible for organizing and/or administering performance-based instructor training programs. The concept of performance-based teacher…

This vocational program guide is intended to assist in the organization, operation, and evaluation of a program in interior design technology in school districts, area vocational centers, and community colleges. The following topics are covered: program content (job titles and descriptions and curriculum framework and student performance…