I. Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will possess the KNOWLEDGE required for entry-level positions in the field of speech-language pathology.
Specifically, students will demonstrate:
- Knowledge in Phonological and Language Disorders (including cognitive aspects, social aspects, and modalities)
- Knowledge in Speech Disorders (including voice disorders, fluency disorders and swallowing disorders)
- Knowledge in Audiology/Hearing
- Knowledge of Clinical Management
- Knowledge of Professional Issues, Psychometrics, and Research
2. Students will possess the SKILLS required for entry-level positions in the field of speech-language pathology.
Specifically, students will be able to:
- Provide Prevention Services
- Provide Assessment/Diagnostic Services
- Provide Intervention Services
- Implement Entry-Level Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Interact Professionally with Clients and other Professionals
II. Identification of Where Outcomes are Being Achieved
1. Students will possess the KNOWLEDGE required for entry-level positions in the field of speech-language pathology.
Specifically, students will demonstrate:
- Knowledge in Phonological and Language Disorders
COMD 764, 765, 762, 770 - Knowledge in Speech Disorders
COMD 717, 720, 770 - Knowledge in Audiology/Hearing
COMD 730, 737, 772 - Knowledge of Clinical Management
COMD 579, 770 - Knowledge of Professional Issues, Psychometrics, and Research
COMD 579, 715, 770
2. Students will possess the SKILLS required for entry-level positions in the field of speech-language pathology.
Specifically, students will be able to:
- Provide Prevention Services
COMD 579, 772, 773, 774 - Provide Assessment/Diagnostic Services
COMD 579, 772, 773, 774 - Provide Intervention Services
COMD 579, 772, 773, 774 - Implement Entry-Level Oral and Written Communication Skills
COMD 579, 772, 773, 774 - Interact Professionally with Clients and other Professionals
COMD 579, 772, 773, 774
III. Assessment Tools
Knowledge outcomes A, B, C, D, and E.
Direct measurement:
- Communicative Disorders Department Written Comprehensive Examination
- National (Praxis) Examination for Speech-Language Pathology
Indirect measurement:
- Current Student Surveys
- Alumni Surveys
- Employer Surveys
Skill outcomes A, B, C, D, and E
Direct measurement:
- COMD Skill Outcomes Form
Indirect measurement:
- Current Student Surveys
- Alumni Surveys
- Employer Surveys
IV. Timetable Indicating the Cycle of Assessment and Continuous Improvement
Direct Assessment:
1. Communicative Disorders Department Written Examination
- Students take examination on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the first week in April of their last semester (5th semester)
- Results are available no later than Friday of the second week in April
- Results are discussed at the next departmental faculty meeting
2. Praxis Examination for Speech-Language Pathology
- Students take Praxis examination in April of their last semester (5th semester)
- Praxis data analysis is distributed (by Praxis) to the department in October
- Results are discussed during a November department meeting (as well as results of other direct and indirect measures)
Indirect measurement:
- Current Student Surveys
- Alumni Surveys
- Employer Survey
- Surveys are distributed in April
- Results are analyzed during summer session
- Results are discussed during a November department meeting
Assessment efforts are formally discussed during a November department meeting. Ideas for improvement of assessment efforts are entertained at any department meeting, but formally discussed during a November department meeting.
V. Data Presentation and Discussion Process
Data regarding knowledge outcomes are collected and analyzed by the Program Director with the assistance of the Program Assistant. Data regarding skills outcomes are analyzed by the Program Director with the assistance of the Clinic Director and the Program Assistant. An annual written summary is provided (written by Program Director). The written summary is distributed to faculty and discussed during a November departmental meeting.
VI. Implementation of Revisions Based on Assessment Results
Department members discuss the strengths and limitations of the department based on the available data. Curricular and other program improvement plans are discussed and voted on during department meetings (first discussion takes place during a November faculty meeting). Implementation of changes occurs during the current academic year.
VII. Results Availability
The Program Director composes a written summary of the data. The written summary is distributed to faculty members and to the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. A copy of the written summary is kept in the Department of Communicative Disorders main office (WEB B31) and is available upon request by students and other interested parties.