Bachelor of Social Work

Assessment Report, 2013-2014

CLASS, Social Work

Assessment Identifiers

College / School
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Department
Social Work

Program / Major / Certificate
Bachelor of Social Work

Assessment Coordinator(s)
Felicia Tuggle, PhD

Has there been a change to the Assessment Coordinator(s) since the last assessment plan?
No

Person(s) responsible for writing and/or submitting this report:
Roenia DeLoach and Linda Samuel

Program Mission Statement

The Department of Social Work prepares students to excel in social work practice. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs prepares students for generalist practice and the Master of Social Works (MSW) program builds on the generalist foundation and prepares students for advanced practice in Clinical and Social Administration. The Department promotes student focused learning, affirms the African American legacy and fosters a unique multicultural environment through its BSW and MSW curriculum and advocacy roles in community change. The department graduates students who are culturally competent to practice social work in rural, urban and global settings.

Has this mission statement been revised since the last plan?
No

PSLOs

1. The students will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.

2. The students will be able to engage diversity and difference in practice.

3. The students will be able to advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

4. The students will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.

5. The students will be able to engage in policy practice.

6. The students will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

7. The students will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

8. The students will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

9. The students will be able to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

LINK TO: Assessment Report, 2013-2014 – Supporting Documents

Assessment Results (PSLOs)

SSU Strategic Plan Goal	PSLO	Semester	Professor	Courses	Assessment Artifacts and Instruments	Target Levels	Results and Analysis of Results	Actions in Response to Results
Academic Engagement and Achievement	1. The students will be able to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.	Spring 2013	R.  DeLoach	SOWK 3101 Research Methods	The Miss Ever’s Boys assignment - PSLO #1 Rubric	80% of the student will score at 80% or higher	TARGET MET A total of 32 BSW students were enrolled in the Research Methods course. Overall, 97% of the students scored 80% or higher on the Miss Ever’s Boys assignment.  The students tend to do very well on this assignment. Prior to reviewing the film and completing the assignment, students must complete the NIH online certificate course on human subject review	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: Although the target was met in 2012-2013, the NIH online certificate course on human subjects was added to the course in 2013 to ensure that the students were well versed in ethical and professional behavior as it relates to research. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: The results continue to show that the students understand the importance of ethical and professional behavior. The NIH certificate program continues to be required and the Miss Ever’s Boys assignment continues to be used to assess this PSLO. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: The findings from the 2015-2016 assessment will be used to make sure that the students continue to understand the importance of ethical and professional behavior when they are engaged in the research process.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	2. The students will be able to engage diversity and difference in practice.	Spring 2014	L. Samuel	SOWK 3340 Interventive Methods I	Diverse Population Presentation - PSLO #2 Rubric	80% of the students will score 80% or higher	TARGET MET A total of 24 BSW students were enrolled in the course. 100% of the students scored 80 or higher on the Diverse Population Presentation. Students demonstrate an understanding of how diversity and difference characterized and shape the human experience.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic years that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: Although the target was met, additional diverse populations were identified and added to the list in order to increase the understanding of the dimensions of diversity. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: The rubric was modified to make sure that the description of the assigned diverse population was clear. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Because the target was met, the assignment will continue to be required in order to enhance the students understanding of engagement with diverse populations.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	3. The students will be able to advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.	Spring 2014	L. Samuel	SOWK 2200 Human Needs and Human Services	Social Issue Presentation - PSLO #3 Rubric	80% of the students will score 70% or higher	TARGET MET A total of 29 BSW students were enrolled in the SOWK 2200. 100% of the students in the course scored above 80%.  The results show evidence that the students were able to apply their understanding of social, economic and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: As a result of the 2012-2013 findings, a special lecture on the use of online library resources to gather literature on human rights and social issues was provided by the university librarian. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic years: The use of the library resources was a change that enhanced the students’ ability to advocate for human rights and social justice. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Because the target was met, the assignment will continue to be required to encourage the engagement in practices that advance social, economic and environmental justice.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	4. The students will be able to engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.	Spring/Fall 2013	R. DeLoach	SOWK  3101 Research Methods	Research Paper - PSLO #4 Rubric	80% of the student will score at level 80% or higher.	TARGET NOT MET A total of 32 students were enrolled in the research methods course. Only 78% of the students scored 80% or higher. The benchmark was not met. Research continues to be a challenge for students.  The students are required to learn about research and then produce a research project in a semester.  Access to the population is a major challenge as the course is offered in the junior year which means that the students are not in field practicum thus many traditional students have limited practice exposure and understanding of research engaged practice. The benchmark might also be too high. However, prior to lowering the benchmark score, additional changes will be made for the next assessment period.	OVERALL: TARGET NOT MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: Based on the results for the 2012-2013, graduate assistants were assigned to the course as an additional resource for students. However, the graduate assistant had little research experience.  Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: A graduate assistant with research experience was assigned to the research methods course. Students were able to meet one-on one with the graduate assistant for additional support. The BSW curriculum committee also met to discuss the impact of the timing of the research course offering on students learning outcome. The committee approved the research methods course to be offered concurrently with the first field practicum course in the senior year. This allows students a greater opportunity to engage in research informed practice and practice informed research. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: The results from the change in semester that the research methods course is offered and the addition of an experienced research graduate assistant will be used to enhanced student’s ability to use research to inform practice and practice informed research.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	5. The students will be able to engage in policy practice.	Fall 2013	R. DeLoach	SOWK 2205 History of Social Welfare and Social Policy	Policy Advocacy Presentation - PSLO #5 Rubric	80% of the student will score at level 3 (80% - 89%) or higher	TARGET MET A total of 21 students were enrolled in the policy course. Overall, 100% of the students scored at level 3 on the policy advocacy presentation.  Students did have some challenges in understanding government structure, power and impact on social programs.  This impacted their ability to select policy solutions that are supported by research.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: The concern in the 2012-2013 assessment was that the chapters on program implementation and development was not covered prior to the presentation due dates.  Faculty teaching the course will make sure that the chapter on program implementation is covered prior to the presentations on policy advocacy. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: The chapter on program implementation was covered before the students’ presentation on policy advocacy. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: The results from the changes in 2015-2016 will be used to see if the students increase their understanding as it relates to government structure and policy solution supported by research.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	6. The students will be able to engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.	Fall 2013	L Samuel	SOWK 3341 Interventive Method II	Group Practice Session Assessment - PSLO #6 Rubric	80% of the students will score 80% or higher	TARGET MET 100% of the students in the course scored above 80%. The results show evidence that the students understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the interactive process of social work practice.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: As a result of the 2012-2013 findings, the required time for the practice session was increased from 20 minutes to 25-30 minutes in order to model how to engage clients. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: A peer review evaluation was implemented to provide feedback to the students. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Because the target was met, the assignment will continue to be required to help the students understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	7. The students will be able to assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.	Spring 2014	L Samuel	SOWK 3340 Interventive Method I	Individual Practice Session Assessment - PSLO #7 Rubric	80% of the students will score 70% or higher	TARGET MET 100% of the students in the course scored above 70% which means that the benchmark was met. The results show evidence that the students understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the interactive process of social work practice.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: As a result of the 2012-2013 findings, the required time for the practice session was increased from 30 minutes to 45 minutes in order to model and record a real time (role play) video assessment. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic years: Practice based tools (assessment questionnaires) were provided to each student to use during their individual practice session (video). Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Because the benchmark was met, the assignment will continue to be required to help the students understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Additionally, students learn how to collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	8. The students will be able to intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.	Fall 2013	L Samuel	SOWK 3341 Interventive Method II	Group Practice Session Assessment - PSLO #8 Rubric	80% of the students will score 80% or higher	TARGET MET 100% of the students in the course scored above 80% which means that the benchmark was met. The results show evidence that the students understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the interactive process of social work practice.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: As a result of the 2012-2013 findings, the required time for the practice session was increased from 20 minutes to 25-30 minutes in order to model how to engage clients. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic years: A peer review evaluation was implemented to provide feedback to the students. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Because the benchmark was met, the assignment will continue to be required to help the students understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness.
Academic Engagement and Achievement	9. The students will be able to evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.	Spring 2014	R. DeLoach	SOWK 3342 Interventive Method III	Macro Community Project - PSLO #9 Rubric	80% of the students will score 80% or higher	TARGET MET A total of 32 students were enrolled in two sections of the Interventive Methods III course. Overall, 100% of the students scored level 3 or higher. Students tend to do very well on all aspect of this assignment.	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of projected use of results from the 2012-2013 academic year that is being addressed in the 2013-2014 academic year: The Macro Community Project was not included in the course for the 2012-2013 academic semester. However, it was decided that it would be included in the 2013-2014. Description of any changes for improvements which were made during the course of the 2013-2014 academic year: The macro community project was included in the 2013-2014 assessment periods.  Two sections of the course were offered.  Three students and a professor completed the Macro Community Project in Ghana during the spring 2014 semester and shared the outcome with the students taking the course at SSU.  No additional changes were made for the 2014-2015 assessment period. Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: Improvements will be made in the assignment description.

Assessment Results (POs)

SSU Strategic Plan Goal	PO Goal	Enabling Strategies	Measures	Targets	Results and Analysis of Results	Actions in Response to Results
Academic Engagement and Achievement	Increase the number of BSW students enrolled in graduate school 2-year post BSW degree	a. Increase discussion of graduate school b. Transport students to other university visitations c. Invite graduate social work program recruiters to campus d. Invite alums to speak with students	List of students accepted and attending a graduate programs	At least 25% of the cohort will attend graduate school	TARGET MET A total of 16/31 students were in a graduate program two years post BSW degree (52%). All 16 students entered a Master of Social Work graduate program	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year: No action needed. The program will continue with current strategy.
	Increase funding opportunities to provide stipends, travel, tuition awards for students via grants or other funding sources	Develop grant writing team	List of grants awarded for each year	≥ 2 per year	TARGET NOT MET Only one grant was applied for and awarded (Presidential  mini grant)	OVERALL: TARGET NOT MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year:  The program will meet as a team and discuss direction and types of grants best fits the group and department. The program will assign PI and CO PI schedule for the grants.
	First year retention of BSW students.	Restructure the BSW curriculum to offer social work courses each semester beginning with the incoming freshman cohort	Banner data	≥ 50% retention rate	TARGET MET Fall 2012 to Fall 2013 retention rate = 71%	OVERALL: TARGET MET Description of the expected use of results that will be addressed in the 2014-2015 academic year:  The program will be waiting for NPCC and Faculty Senate approval.