This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-646-5286.
| Course Code | Course | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Code | EDPD 8020 | Course | A New Vision of Organizational Research, Assessment, and Evaluation | Credits | (5 cr.) |
| Course Code | EDPD 8021 | Course | Assessment, Evaluation, and Accountability: The Sociological, Political, and Economic Factors | Credits | (5 cr.) |
| Course Code | EDPD 8023 | Course | Evaluating and Improving Programs, Organizations, and Systems | Credits | (5 cr.) |
| Course Code | EDPD 8024 | Course | Dynamics of Communication for Impact and Results | Credits | (5 cr.) |
The role of assessment and evaluation as a vehicle for positive change is recast in this course. The notion of accountability is supported by the concepts of social and ethical responsibility, and informs continual improvement efforts for individuals and organizations. Theory, trends, and systemic perspectives of the field are connected to changes required for enhancing performance and increasing effectiveness. Topics include evaluator credibility, national and international assessments and comparisons, and facilitation with individual and cultural values underpinning evaluation purposes, processes, and judgments.
At the thought-leadership level, the context of sociological, political, and economic demands are primary to understanding the purpose of assessment and evaluation. This course will focus on the decision-making models that influence assessment, evaluation, and accountability systems. Topics include political astuteness; knowledge of sociological structures, including roles, status, power, rewards, and sanctions; as well as cost-benefit analyses, responsiveness to federal/state mandates, and organizational goals and objectives.
Determining comprehensive value and worth of a curriculum, project, instructional method, institution, or policy is a complex endeavor. This course examines the process of determining the value, purpose, efficacy, and social implications for programs, organizations, and systems within a framework for continuous improvement. Supporting technical skills are integrated into the course, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods of data-gathering and analysis.
Finesse and skill are needed to communicate complex information and findings from data analysis to particular stakeholders in ways that convey understanding, impart meaning, and stimulate a call to action. Students in this course focus on how to report results, consequences, options, and recommendations in compelling ways for multiple audiences. A wide variety of communication methods are explored that include presentation technology, Internet communications, technical writing, writing for publication, press releases, grant writing, and collaborative communication. Data compression is practiced as part of the communication and recommendation process.
All courses taken in this certificate program will articulate into the PhD in Organizational Research, Assessment, and Evaluation.
