Writing the Institutional Report Antoinette Mitchell Vice President, Unit Accreditation NCATE

What is the Institutional Report (IR)? The IR is the unit’s assessment (self-study) of how it is meeting the unit standards. The IR “makes the case” that the unit is meeting the standards. The IR is the Board of Examiners (BOE) team’s map for understanding the unit and how it is meeting the standards. The IR provides information that the BOE team verifies on-site. The IR helps form the BOE team’s first impression of the unit.

What are the major components of the IR? Overview General characteristics Program table Summary of conceptual framework Elements Evidence for meeting each of the six unit standards Element by element for the six unit standards

Who should write the IR? Different institutions approach the writing of the IR differently: Committees across programs write by standard Programs write to all six standards Program directors write with input from community Deans with input from community Ultimately, the IR should be written in one voice, but should not be written by one person without input from the community.

Institutional Report for Continuing Visits: What’s different? Visit the NCATE website at ncate.org and go to the “Resources” page for sample Institutional Reports The template for the IR is posted on conference CD under Donna Gollnick’s session on streamlining The template includes the tables that should be in the report

What tables should be included? 1. Academic rank of professional education faculty 2. Programs and their review status 3. Pass rates on Content Tests (initial) 4. Pass rates on Content Tests (other school professionals) 5. Unit Assessment System: Transition Point Assessments 6. Field Experiences and Clinical Practices 7. Faculty Demographics 8. Candidate Demographics 9. Demographics on Clinical Sites

How long should the IR be? Currently, 50 pages (might be increased) Tables not included as pages Each section/standard has a suggested length Single-spaced 12-point type Regular margins

What are the major components of the IR? Overview – approx. 3 pages Conceptual framework – approx. 3 Standard 1 – approx. 12 pages Standard 2 – approx. 6 pages Standard 3 – approx. 6 pages Standard 4 – approx. 6 pages Standard 5 – approx. 6 pages Standard 6 – approx. 4 pages

What should be included in the evidence section? Evidence that addresses each element and the rubric at least at the acceptable level Evidence that addresses all programs, including advanced-level programs Key evidence such as data from state licensing exams, evaluations of clinical practice, studies of graduates and employers, program reviews, admissions information. Multiple sources

How is the IR related to performance-based accreditation? NCATE is interested in outcomes For Standard 1, include aggregated assessment data For Standard 2, describe a systematic plan of assessment that addresses initial and advanced programs. For Standard 4, be clear about proficiencies related to diversity, curriculum, assessments, and results

How much data are enough? Amount of Data Expected for Program Reviews and Site Visits Continuing Institutions Program Reports Submitted Amount of Data Expected (program reports) Site Visit Date (site visits) Through February 1, 2007 1 semester Through Spring 2008 1 year September 15, 2007 Fall 2008 2 years February 1, 2008 Spring 2009 September 15, 2008 Fall 2009 3 years February 1, 2009 Spring 2010 September 15, 2009 & afterwards Fall 2010 & afterwards

How much data are enough? Institutions Undergoing Accreditation for the First Time Program Reports Submitted Amount of Data Expected (program reports) Site Visit Date (site visits) Through February 1, 2007 1 semester Through Spring 2008 1 year September 15, 2007 Fall 2008 2 years February 1, 2008 & afterwards Spring 2009 & afterwards

How should one edit the document? Content-should address the elements/rubrics Standard editing – voice, tense, grammar Use of headings – should be similar to the headings in the standards Internally consistent Professional document

What are the characteristics of a strong IR? Address each standard, element by element Use standard and element headings as organizers Address the rubrics, at the acceptable levels, at a minimum Include data to support statements Include charts, tables and graphs

When and how should the IR be submitted? Sixty days before the visit Send copies to NCATE and to the team members Chair needs a copy to conduct the pre-visit Three ways to submit Hard copy Attachment in e-mail URL in e-mail to IR posted on institution’s website Discuss best method with chair!

The Most Productive Visits: Were well-organized during the pre-visit Had professional communities that were involved in the process Had open communication between the chair of the BOE and the unit head Included poster sessions describing programs Had unit members who had a clear understanding of the standards and the process Had faculty that made the decision to work toward performance-based assessment