Submitted Fall, 2005
(Objectives 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 )
Assessment
To provide insights into the levels of preparedness graduates experience and the strengths and weaknesses of the CDIS program in contributing to their readiness, parallel surveys were sent to alumni and their employers one year after date of graduation. The department has been conducting these surveys for over ten years and has used the information gathered to make curricular clinical changes in the program.
The alumni survey was sent to 11 program graduates one year after their date of graduation and 10 surveys were returned. Responses from graduates indicated that they would have preferred more information on the following: pediatric dysphagia and autism. The students also commented on a need for more emphasis on specific treatment in all areas.
| Question |
Agree |
Disagree |
| 1. Considering all aspects, I was completely satisfied with my preparation for the profession of speech/language pathology. |
11 |
0 |
| 2. The clinical practicum experiences adequately prepared me for my profession. |
11 |
0 |
| 3. My academic/clinical education was adequate to prepare me to work with diverse populations. |
9 |
2 |
Recommendations
Based on the results of the 2004/2004 survey, the faculty made some minor curriculum changes. A pediatric dysphagia course has been added for the Fall 2005 semester. Additionally, the department has contracted with a specialist in autism who will offer an on-campus workshop for our students.
The employer survey was sent to 11 employers and 8 were returned. Employers generally rated program graduates as excellent. Employers indicated that students are generally knowledgeable in most areas, but have limited experience in IEP mangagement.
| |
Agree |
Disagree |
| 1. The clinician can complete speech, language, or hearing diagnostic procedures appropriately. |
11 |
0 |
| 2. The clinician demonstrates adequate knowledge of instrumentation. |
11 |
0 |
| 3. The clinician is able to establish appropriate treatment goals for each client. |
11 |
0 |
| 4. The clinician is able to write appropriate reports and document treatment effectiveness. |
10 |
1 |
| 5. The clinician has the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate speech, language, and hearing services for all clients. |
11 |
0 |
| 6. Graduates are sought as candidates for speech-language pathology positions. |
11 |
0 |
Recommendations
Program faculty has addressed the need for incorporating information regarding case load management and IEP preparation and management. This information has been added to several courses which address assessment and treatment of specific communication disorders. The students benefiting from this curriculum change will be assessed during the 2005/2006 academic year. We expect to see an improvement in this area.