The program implements its plan to evaluate the outcome of each program objective and shows evidence that the analysis is used continuously to affirm and improve the educational program.

Assessment Results of Goals One and Two

GOAL ONE: To prepare students to use the generalist approach to become competent entry-level social work practitioners.

Overview:
Assessment plan results overall indicate that the Shippensburg University BSW program is achieving this goal. The findings of the Exit Interviews show that at the time of graduation, 81% of our students had a job in social work or were searching for one and 99% of graduates are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their total experience in the program.

Since 2001, 93% of Alumni Survey respondents indicate they currently work in or have been employed in the social work field. Alumni Surveys also indicate a high level of satisfaction with undergraduate education. The mean score was 4.7 on a 5-point scale. Additionally, alumni indicate they are well prepared for an entry-level position in social work. The mean score was 4.5.

The following information provides a more detailed look at the results of each of the program objectives and efforts taken to address them when data suggests areas for improvement.

OBJECTIVE 1: Students will be able to demonstrate advocacy for empowerment.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are well able to demonstrate advocacy for empowerment. Ninety-two percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73). This means that the students demonstrated the behaviors described earlier in this standard as indicative of competency in the area of advocacy.

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to demonstrate advocacy for empowerment. More specifically, the results of Exit Interviews show that:

• 96% of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of diversity. 
• 96% of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of values & ethics.
• 92% of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of promotion of social and economic justice.
• 88% of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of populations at risk. 

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared for demonstrating advocacy for empowerment. The past seven years of results (N = 121) tell us that:

• 99.0% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to respect the dignity and worth of each individual. 
• 98% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to value human diversity. 
• 94% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate an understanding of vulnerable/oppressed populations. 
• 93% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to advocate on behalf of clients. 
• 93% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to respect client rights for self-determination. 
• 91% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to understand persons in disadvantaged situations. 
• 88%of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to value system change to respond to client’s needs. 

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared for demonstrating advocacy for empowerment, specifically related to using values in the field. Ninety-three percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work values in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 2: Students will be able to identify as a social work professional.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding the majority of benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are able to successfully identify as social work professionals. Eighty-nine percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to identify as a social work professional. Ninety-six percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of values & ethics.

After two years of professional experience, our Alumni Survey results also indicate that graduates were well prepared to identify as a social work professional. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that:

• 98% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to respect confidentiality. 
• 92% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to commit to continuous growth. 
• 90% of Alumni Survey respondents had attended professional conferences, workshops, seminars or continuing education courses. 
• 87% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to identify with social work as a profession. 
• 84% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to support the profession’s advocacy for social and economic justice for oppressed populations. 

The last question that we include related to professional identity in the Alumni Survey asks whether they have conducted workshops, conferences or trainings. We did not feel that it was realistic to expect 80% of recent BSW graduates to make professional presentations so we have collected this data in order to establish a baseline against which to measure over the years. Our use of the findings is discussed in Use of Findings. Currently, 36% of Alumni Survey respondents had conducted a workshop, conference or training.

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to identify as a social work professional, specifically related to using values in the field. Ninety-three percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work values in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 3: Students will be able to demonstrate self-awareness.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding the five out of six of our benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are highly able to demonstrate self-awareness. Eighty-eight percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to demonstrate self-awareness. Ninety-nine percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of self-awareness.

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared to demonstrate self-awareness. One of the indicators did not meet the 80% mark and is discussed in Use of Findings section. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that:

• 96% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate openness to new ideas. 
• 95% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to identify own learning needs. 
• 95% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to show a willingness to examine personal values and biases. 
• 88% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to have the capacity to be objective. 
• 71% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate healthy ways of handling stress. 

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to demonstrate self-awareness. Eighty-eight percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work values in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 4: Students will be able to develop and manage professional relationships.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding almost all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are able to develop and manage professional relationships. Eighty-eight percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared to develop and manage professional relationships. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that

• 96% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to take responsibility for own actions. 
• 94% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to collaborate with other professionals.. 
• 94% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. 
• 92% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to verbalize distinction between personal and professional relationships. 
• 91 % of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to manage barriers to engagement based upon differences. 
• 91% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to use supervision. 
• 88% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to identify role and purpose in relationships. 
• 76% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate assertive behavior conflict management skills.

The Exit Interview Instrument does not have questions related to developing and managing professional relationships.

The Field Instructor Survey includes a question about our students’ preparation for self-awareness in the field. The indicators of Objective Four include items such as taking responsibility for one’s actions and appropriate clothing, language, etc which are related to self-awareness. Eighty-eight percent of field instructors (N = 123) rated students at four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use self-awareness in the field.

OBJECTIVE 5: Students will be able to manage interactional skills.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding almost all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are able to manage interactional skills. Eighty-eight percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to manage interactional skills. Ninety-seven percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of practice and 100% are satisfied with their preparation for field practicum.

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared to manage interactional skills. One indicator did not meet the 80% mark and is discussed in Use of Findings. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that

• 88% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply the strengths perspective.
• 86% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to conduct interviews.
• 84% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to develop plans for working with clients.
• 77% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to develop assessments.

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to manage interactional skills. Eighty-nine percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work skills in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 6: Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking & problem solving skills.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding almost all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills. Eighty-one percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), slightly less than the benchmark 80% of students are satisfied with their preparation for the content area of research, which we have been using as a measure of critical thinking and problem solving. Sixty-nine percent of students were satisfied or extremely satisfied with preparation for research. However, 100 percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area field practicum which also involves significant problem solving skills. The use of these results is discussed in Use of Results.

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared to think critically and solve problems. Indicators that fell below the 80% benchmark are discussed in Use of Results. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that

• 92% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to use critical thinking. 
• 84% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to use problem-solving skills.
• 83% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply systematic problem-solving process. 
• 74% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to read research. 
• 73% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to draw on knowledge from research. 

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to think critically and problem solve, specifically related to using skills in the field. Eighty-nine percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work skills in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 7: Students will be able to manage the change process.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding almost all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are well able to manage the change process. Eighty-nine percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to manage the change process. Eighty-three percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of policy and 91% are satisfied or extremely satisfied in the content area of Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

After two years of professional experience, our alumni continued to indicate that they were well prepared to manage the change process in most areas of social work practice. However, several of these indicators fell below the 80% benchmark and are discussed in Use of Results. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that:

• 91% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate knowledge of family systems and dynamics. 
• 90% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to demonstrate knowledge of group dynamics. 
• 83% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply systems theory perspective. 
• 81% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply knowledge of human life cycle development. 
• 75% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply knowledge of social service systems. 
• 71% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply knowledge of macro practice for organizations and communities. 
• 70% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply knowledge of social policy. 
• 67% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to evaluate programs. 
• 55% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to develop/plan new programs. 
• 47% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to influence policy. 

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to manage the change process, specifically related to using the knowledge base of social work in the field. Ninety-two percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work knowledge in the field (N = 123).

OBJECTIVE 8: Students will be able to apply the generalist approach on multi-levels of intervention.

Outcomes: Assessment results indicate that we are meeting or exceeding almost all benchmarks for this objective (80% positive responses). The results of each assessment method are presented, followed by a discussion of how we have used the results for continuous program improvement.

Field Education Evaluation results indicate that over the past two years, field instructors have observed that our students are able to apply the generalist approach. Eighty-five percent of students were rated by field instructors as either very good or excellent in this area (N = 73).

Exit Interview Instrument results indicate that for the past six years (N = 82), students are satisfied with their preparation to apply the generalist approach to practice. Ninety-one percent of students are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their preparation in the content area of HBSE, which includes a significant part of being prepared for the person-in-environment approach to practice. They also indicated satisfaction with preparation for the content area of field practicum where they initially apply generalist methods (100% felt satisfied or extremely satisfied with preparation for field).

After two years of professional experience, our alumni also indicate that they were well prepared to apply generalist methods. Two of the indicators fell below the benchmark of 80% and are discussed in Use of Results. The past seven years of results (N = 121) indicate that 

• • 94% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to practice with individuals 
• • 87% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply person-in-environment perspective. 
• • 84% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to apply the generalist perspective. 
• • 84% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to evaluate their own practice. 
• • 82% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to practice with groups. 
• • 76% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to practice with organizations. 
• • 71% of Alumni Survey respondents were well prepared or very well prepared to practice with community. 

Finally, the Field Instructor Survey results indicate that our students are well prepared to apply the generalist approach to social work practice, specifically related to using the knowledge base of social work in the field. Ninety-two percent of field instructors over the past seven years rated students at a four or higher on a five-point scale for preparation to use social work knowledge in the field (N = 123).

GOAL TWO: To prepare students for successful graduate study in social work or related fields.

The program objectives for Goal Two are the same as Goal One since the necessary skills and competencies are consistent for becoming a competent entry-level BSW practitioner or being prepared for graduate school. Please see results for Goal 1.

In addition to the results presented for Goal One being applicable to this goal, our assessment data provide some specific information about the involvement of our BSW alumni in graduate education. Upon graduation, 29% of our graduates since 2001 have reported plans to attend graduate school immediately after BSW graduation, often as advanced standing students in MSW programs (N = 78). This percentage has begun to rise since our MU-SU MSW program was developed. Between Fall 2001 and Spring 2004, 15% of students indicated they intended to go to graduate school after BSW graduation. Between Fall 2005 (when graduating BSW students would apply for our MSW program that began Fall 2006) and Fall 2008, 44% of students indicated graduate school intentions immediately after BSW graduation.

Once our graduates get out into the world the percentage seeking and obtaining graduate degrees appears to increase. Our Alumni Survey indicates that 63% of participants had either completed another degree or were enrolled in another degree program (N = 121). Further, and of significance for our program outcomes, 91% of alumni who had a graduate degree or were working on one responded that their BSW education prepared them well or very well for graduate studies.