1. Evaluator 102: An Introduction to Interpreting the Standards Dr. Luis G. Pedraja MSCHE Vice President

2. Overview of the Standards 14 Standards, in 2 sections: 14 Standards, in 2 sections: –Institutional Context (Standards 1 – 7) –Educational Effectiveness (Standards 8 – 14) Each section concludes with an assessment standard (7 & 14) Each section concludes with an assessment standard (7 & 14)

3. Format: Each Standard Standard Standard Context Context Fundamental Elements Fundamental Elements Optional Analysis and Evidence Optional Analysis and Evidence

4. Fundamental Elements & the Self-Study In conjunction with institutional mission & goals, fundamental elements help to frame self-study questions In conjunction with institutional mission & goals, fundamental elements help to frame self-study questions Elements guide institutions in demonstrating how they comply with the standards Elements guide institutions in demonstrating how they comply with the standards Elements help frame the self-study analysis and recommendations Elements help frame the self-study analysis and recommendations

5. Fundamental Elements & the Team Visit Help to frame the teams questions Help to frame the teams questions Must be viewed in the context of the institutions mission and its self-study design and report Must be viewed in the context of the institutions mission and its self-study design and report Together (not individually) the Fundamental Elements constitute and encompass the standard Together (not individually) the Fundamental Elements constitute and encompass the standard Elements are not a checklist Elements are not a checklist

6. Fundamental Elements & the Team Visit, continued Fundamental elements are subordinate to the accreditation standard Fundamental elements are subordinate to the accreditation standard Elements are likely reference points for commendations, suggestions, recommendations, and/or requirements Elements are likely reference points for commendations, suggestions, recommendations, and/or requirements

7. Optional Analysis & Evidence Used by institution as part of its own self-study Used by institution as part of its own self-study Not intended for use by the team for evaluation Not intended for use by the team for evaluation Information is optional for the institution and not required Information is optional for the institution and not required

8. Evaluating Compliance Does the self-study narrative demonstrate compliance? Does the self-study narrative demonstrate compliance? Do they have documented evidence that supports and demonstrates compliance? Do they have documented evidence that supports and demonstrates compliance? Are they doing it or do they plan to do it? Are they doing it or do they plan to do it? Are their plans, activities & projections realistic? Are their plans, activities & projections realistic? Do documents & interviews support the claims of the self-study? Do documents & interviews support the claims of the self-study? Do they have realistic plans for improvement? Do they have realistic plans for improvement?

9. Applying the Standards & the Team Report

10. Report Templates & Self-Study Self-Study structure will affect how standards are covered in the report Self-Study structure will affect how standards are covered in the report Comprehensive models Comprehensive models –Structured according to standards –Grouping of Standards –Topical Approach Selected Topics model Selected Topics model Collaborative model Collaborative model

11. What does the report look like? Standard (s) Covered Standard (s) Covered Narrative of Findings Narrative of Findings Commendations Commendations Suggestions Suggestions Recommendations (need some follow- up) Recommendations (need some follow- up) Requirements (non-compliance) Requirements (non-compliance) Other Information Other Information –People interviewed –Documents reviewed About 1-2 pages per Evaluator About 1-2 pages per Evaluator

12. Types of Findings Suggestions = optional consultative advice Suggestions = optional consultative advice Recommendations = actions needed to continue improvement or to assure continuing compliance Recommendations = actions needed to continue improvement or to assure continuing compliance Requirements = actions needed to achieve compliance Requirements = actions needed to achieve compliance

13. Types of Follow-Up Suggestions -> no follow-up Suggestions -> no follow-up Recommendations -> routinely addressed through PRR; team may request earlier follow-up through progress letter or monitoring report Recommendations -> routinely addressed through PRR; team may request earlier follow-up through progress letter or monitoring report Requirements -> warning, probation, show cause (monitoring report) OR postponement (supplemental information report) Requirements -> warning, probation, show cause (monitoring report) OR postponement (supplemental information report)

14. Exercise Read the fictitious team report on Standard 14. Read the fictitious team report on Standard 14. Based on the report determine: Based on the report determine: –does the institution meet the standard? Why or why not? –What action would you recommend, based on this one standard, for the institution?