CHFAM - Family Studies Results of Assessment

CHF - Family Studies

Results of Assessment

submitted 07/06/05

RESULTS shown are for the evaluation of 37 Family Studies graduates completing their program of study in the 2004-05 academic year as compared to 50 Family Studies graduates completing their program of study in the 2003-04 academic year.

IMPLICATIONS: Fewer students are achieving excellence in Outcomes 1- 4. More students are achieving excellence in Outcomes 5-11. There has been some concern over the level of skill demonstrated in writing student papers: Support of a theme, correct use of APA style, and appropriate citation of sources. Faculty is considering the option of a paper-writing lab or short course. In the senior courses 4990B and 4860 most students appear to be able to write an excellent capstone paper and to perform to the expectations of practicum site supervisor.

RESULTS: Chart 2 displays Specific Measures for Student Outcome #11, Professional Development. In all measures, except the number of Child and Family Studies Student Association (CFSSA) officers, the percent of graduates in the 2004-05 academic year are lower than for the previous year.

IMPLICATIONS: The department has made a concerted effort to include students from all three of the department's majors in the membership and leadership of the Child and Family Studies Student Association. It would follow that with the successful inclusion of additional department students, the percent of Family Studies students would drop. There is some concern about the majority of officers graduating, and additional efforts will be made to include lower classmen in the organization leadership.

A greater effort will be made to promote student membership in the Utah Council on Family Relations (UCFR) and participation in the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) annual conference.

The decrease in numbers of excellent portfolios and excellent original research papers is reflective of an adjustment in grading criteria aimed at raising the standard. It is noteworthy that Family Studies students have achieved both state and national recognition for original research in the past year.