Assessment Report for the Counselor Education Program Area

Department of Counseling and Higher Education

College of Education

Jerry A. Olsheski, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Counseling and Higher Education

Multiple methods are used to evaluate the quality of the counselor education programs. All programs in counselor education are systematically evaluated through a combination of internal and external reviews. The various strategies used in the program evaluation process are outlined below:

Counselor Education Programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Program (CACREP) and the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE). Both of these accrediting organizations mandate a program evaluation system. Program evaluation data must be provided to both CACREP and CORE on a yearly basis in order to maintain accreditation status. Annual reports are also provided to the State Counselor and Social Worker Licensure Board to ensure that the curriculum provides the types of courses that will qualify graduates to become licensed counselors.

For each course taken, students complete evaluation forms rating the content of the course and the quality of instruction. The office of Institutional Research performs the data analysis of these evaluations and returns the information to the Department. The Department Chair reviews this information and shares it with the respective instructor. If indicated, the Department Chair may discuss the results of the evaluations with the instructor. The results of student course evaluations are also incorporated into the Promotion, Tenure and Salary document that is submitted by each faculty member on a yearly basis.

CACREP and CORE standards require that the Counselor Education Program have an active advisory board. The Counselor Education Advisory Board plays a role in evaluating the curriculum, methods of instruction, and program resources. This board is comprised of various counseling professionals, supervisors, and administrators who represent a number of counseling agencies and organizations. The advisory board provides recommendations pertaining to enhancing program effectiveness and overall program quality. The board also assists in the development of educational strategies designed to deal with changes or emerging trends in the delivery and nature of counseling services. The Counselor Education Advisory Board meets a minimum of two times during the academic year. Minutes of the advisory board meeting are recorded and discussed by the faculty and college administration.

The practicum and internship components of the Counselor Education Programs provide students with the opportunity to practice counseling under professional supervision. Students are placed in a wide variety of community agencies that provide counseling services. Field (site) supervisors provide written evaluations of the students they supervise. This information is provided to the faculty supervisor who provides group supervision in a weekly, two-hour seminar. A Practicum and Internship Manual is used to outline students and supervisor responsibilities. Field supervisors are also provided with training sessions or workshops that are designed to enhance their skills in supervision. These workshops are sponsored by the Counselor Education Program.

The retention and review process is designed to evaluate student progress. Faculty meet each quarter to review all students who are enrolled in counselor education programs. Each student is evaluated on academic performance, classroom behavior, interaction with peers and faculty, response to supervision, and overall progress. Interventions with students who are experiencing problems may involve some type of remedial action initiated with their faculty advisor or a full-faculty review of the situation if necessary.

The University Office of Institutional Research conducts a yearly survey of program graduates. Graduates are asked to rate the quality of instruction, program curricula, degree of preparation for employments and other aspects of their educational experience. This information is shared with members of the faculty and the Department Chair. The Office of Institutional Research also conducts a Program Graduate Employment Survey to obtain information on the type of job obtained, name of employer, and salary.

The Evaluation Model of the Counselor Education Program is attached.

Achievement of program objectives.

Content and Design of the Academic Curriculum

Quality of Internship and Practicum Field Experiences

Advisory Board review; Program Graduate Survey; Student Course and Faculty Evaluation; CORE & CACREP Self-Study Documents; Advisory Board meeting minutes.

CACREP & CORE Self-Study Documents; Student Course and Instructor Evaluations; Advisory Board Review; Program Graduate Survey; Course Syllabi on file; Advisory Board and Curriculum Committee meeting minutes; licensure board program information.

Counselor Education Practicum and Internship Manual; Internship Supervisor Rating Form; Student Supervision Rating Form; Advisory Board and Program Area meeting minutes; Training workshops for Field Supervisors.

Compare results of survey data to evaluate achievement of program objectives and degree of conformity to CORE and CACREP standards; analyze Advisory Board meeting minutes.

Submit Mid-Cycle evaluation reports to CACREP, CORE and licensure board; Analyze student course evaluation data to make revisions in course content and improvement in methods of instruction; analyze Advisory Board and Curriculum Committee meeting minutes.

Periodically review Practicum and Internship Manual to make revisions and ensure compliance with CORE standards, certification and licensure requirements; Analyze supervisors and student ratings of internship experiences; review input from advisory board and assess training needs of field supervisors.

Community Contributions of the Program

Recruitment and Retention of Students

Advisory Board Review; Program Graduate Survey; Faculty Promotion, Tenure and Salary (annual) reports; Advisory Board and Program Area meeting minutes; documentation pertaining to involvement in community projects and programs; Awards Committee meeting minutes.

College of Education Recruitment Committee meeting minutes; Department Recruitment Committee meeting minutes; Advisory Board meeting minutes; Program Area meeting minutes; Office of Institutional Equity Student Information Reports; Faculty Review and Retention meeting minutes; Graduate Studies Committee meeting minutes and recommendations.

Examine survey data, faculty tenure reports, meeting minutes and other documentation to evaluate: professional activities of faculty and students in organizational and associational offices; professional publications, grants, presentations at workshops and conferences; consultation, community services, and academic recognition or awards.

Analyze meeting minutes to assess activities of recruiting students from minority groups including students with disabilities; analyze composition of students body to evaluate representation of minority students; evaluate student review and retention process to ensure program quality.

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