Nursing Discussion: Using Evaluations to Prepare For Accreditation

Your course text defines evaluation as "a systematic assessment of all components of a program through the application of evaluation approaches, techniques, and knowledge in order to improve the planning, implementation, and effectiveness of programs" (Billings, 2012, p. 503). When carefully constructed, a master plan of evaluation can run like a well-oiled machine. Data are collected, analyzed, and acted upon. When documented correctly, this data can also help institutions and agencies prepare for accreditation.

In this Discussion, you consider the curriculum components you might include in your team's evaluation plan. You also consider how information gathered about these components can help your team's setting prepare for accreditation.

Questions to be addressed in my paper:

1. Review Chapter 26, "Systematic Program Evaluation," in the Billings text. Specifically, examine how Table 28-2 illustrates one piece of an evaluation plan. Then, explore each of the overarching curriculum components nurse educators may choose to evaluate: mission and goals, curriculum organization, course, teaching effectiveness, environment, intervening mechanism, and generalization.

2. Reflect on the evaluation models your team discussed for your Course Project.

3. Consider the curriculum components you could integrate into these evaluation models. How would feedback on these components help your assigned setting improve the quality of the curriculum? In addition, how might this same information help to prepare for accreditation?

4. A brief description of at least two curriculum components you would include in the evaluation model(s) used in your Course Project (Doctor of Nursing Science) and why.

5. Explain how this information, as well as your team's overall evaluation approach, could help your setting prepare for accreditation, if applicable. Justify your response by providing references to your Course Project and Learning Resources as applicable.

Reminder:

1. Put APA citations and references between 2011 - 2016... References that are below 2010 are obsolete already....
2. At least two pages

Required Readings

Billings, D. M., & Halstead, J. A. (2016). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

• Chapter 25, "Clinical Performance Evaluation" (pp. 443-462)

Clinical evaluation is arguably one of the most important evaluations educators use to evaluate student performance. Chapter 25 discusses the various evaluation methods instructors can use to evaluate the skills and techniques of nursing students.

• Chapter 26 " Systematic Program Evaluation" (pp. 463-507)

Program evaluation takes much time and effort. In Chapter 26, best practices, strategies, and theory-based approaches are discussed in detail.

• Chapter 27, "The Accreditation Process" (pp. 508-523)

Thus far, the accreditation process has been reviewed. Chapter 27 examines the various types of accreditation schools of nursing can seek, as well as the pros and cons of accreditation efforts.

Ruchala, P. L. (2011). Curriculum development and approval processes in changing educational environments. In S. B. Keating (Ed.), Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing (2nd ed., pp. 33-45). New York, NY: Springer. [Review]

This chapter highlights the complex issues related to curriculum development and curriculum redesign. The impact of regulatory and accreditation agencies is also discussed.

Keating, S. B. (Ed.). (2015). Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.

• Chapter 16, "Program Evaluation" (pp. 349-367)

This chapter explores the process the who, what, when, and why of the evaluation process.

Heydman, A., & Sargent, A. (2011). Planning for accreditation: Evaluating the curriculum. In S. B. Keating (Ed.), Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing (2nd ed., pp. 311-332). New York, NY: Springer. [Review]

Chapter 15 examines the various types of accreditation schools of nursing can seek, as well as the pros and cons of accreditation efforts.

Story, L., Butts, J. B., Bishop, S. B., Green, L., Johnson, K., & Mattison, H. (2010). Innovative strategies for nursing education program evaluation. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(6), 351-354.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article explores the advantages and creative approaches of program evaluation. Some of the advantages include convenience, cost effectiveness, and more meaningful data.

Bates College, Information & Library Services. (2011). PowerPoint: Presentation tips. Retrieved from http://www.bates.edu/ils/2011/how-do-i/software/powerpoint-presentation-tips/

This website presents many tips and best practices that educators should use when presenting to an audience of learners. It is highly recommended that you carefully explore tips 5-11.