Assessment Plan

Data reflecting the 2024-2025 school year was collected during either Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025. Exact questions included in self-report and practicum advisor-report surveys are available in the detailed tables linked in the Outcomes Data section.

Program Goal A: Disciplinary Knowledge

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of individuals, families, and their relationships to larger social institutions. Students will use this understanding to analyze social, economic, and governmental policies as well as changing demographics and other trends and their implications for individuals and families.
  2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the internal dynamics of the family including family strengths and weaknesses and how parenting behaviors and child characteristics influence child outcomes.
  3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of human development including individual characteristics and needs, multiple influences on development and learning including the family context, and how to promote development and learning across the life span.
  4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to support and empower individuals and families and communities through respectful, reciprocal relationships, and ethical and professional practice.

Direct Assessment

  • HDFS 4980 - Practicum via writing assessments and passing the class with grade of C or better
  • Supervisor Evaluation using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 9 (Strongly Agree); mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency

Indirect Assessment

  • Student Practicum self-evaluation of meeting Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives; mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency


Program Goal B: Methods and Inquiry

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic research principles and methods in order to be an informed consumer of research.
  2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the tools needed to conduct academic research including the use of appropriate observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches for individuals, families and communities.

Direct Assessment

  • HDFS 4980 - Practicum via writing assessments and passing the class with grade of C or better
  • Supervisor Evaluation using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 9 (Strongly Agree); Mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency
  • Student Practicum self-evaluation of meeting Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives
  • HDFS 3130 - Research Methods via writing assignments and passing the class with grade of C or better

Indirect Assessment

  • Student self-evaluation of meeting Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives; mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency

Program Goal C: Skill and Career Competencies

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will develop a resume, an internship and career plan and use interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills and ethical decision-making skills for personal and professional relationships.
  2. Students will develop, implement, and evaluate family life education programs in various settings and apply the ethical decision-making process in working with families.
  3. Students will design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging environments to promote positive outcomes for individual families.
  4. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and integrate theory with practice.
  5. Students will recognize and use interpersonal and child guidance techniques and skills in home and professional settings.
  6. Students will demonstrate the skills necessary for participation in the policy making process and engage in informed advocacy for individuals, families, and the profession.
  7. Students will garner and utilize skills for the promotion of a more just and impartial environment in their academic, professional, and community settings.

Direct Assessment

  • HDFS 4980 - Practicum via writing assessments and passing the class with grade of C or better
  • Practicum Supervisor Evaluation using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 9 (Strongly Agree); mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency

Indirect Assessment

  • Student Practicum self-evaluation of meeting Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives; mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency.

Program Goal D: Written and Oral Communication

Student Learning Outcomes: 

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in written form including the understanding and correct use of APA style.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in oral form through oral presentations, interpersonal skills, and teamwork.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate through written and oral communications a respect for different perspectives, fair treatment, and belonging in academic, professional, and community settings.

 

Direct Assessment

  • HDFS 4980 - Practicum via writing assessments and passing the class with grade of C or better
  • Practicum Supervisor Evaluation using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 9 (Strongly Agree); mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency
  • HDFS 3130 - Research Methods via writing assignments, and passing the class with grade of C or better 
  • HDFS 3210 - Families and Cultural Diversity (CI) via passing the class with grade of C or better

Indirect Assessment

Student self-evaluation of meeting Program Goals and Student Learning Objectives; mean scores of 7 or higher indicate that the student has achieved proficiency.