QUALITY ASSURANCE
Psychometric Oversight
Many programs rely on the services of an external vendor for assessment design, development, administration, and documentation. These services are critical for the sustainability for their program but relying on external sources introduces risk to the program. The ACS team has experience providing psychometric oversight for a number of programs that are looking for assurance that the decisions being made on behalf of their program adhere to professional standards and recognized acceptable practices.
Program Review and Audit
For many assessment programs, the opportunity to conduct an independent review or audit of the program can be a valuable chance to take a step back and review the state of the assessment program. All too often, as programs work to satisfy the day to day demands of the program, the activities and behavior can slowly shift over time, and program owners may not realize the inconsistencies that have developed between the stated mission of the assessment program and its actual activities. ACS team members have conducted numerous such reviews, and are focused on not only completing a comprehensive review of any assessment program but to also delivering a usable final report, with action items that can be reviewed and considered by the program as they move forward.
Program Evaluation
When new educational programs are introduced, it is essential that the direct and indirect impacts of these programs are thoroughly investigated. A rigorous program evaluation can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of these programs as well as the critical inputs that influence the effectiveness. ACS staff have worked with programs to design and conduct the independent evaluation of educational programs and can guide programs in critical steps through the process to ensure that the evaluation delivers a comprehensive and valid evaluation of the programs.
Technical Advisory Committees
Our team members serve on state-, national-, and international-level technical advisory committees to provide oversight and quality assurance to numerous assessment programs. The use of such an advisory committee shows a programs dedication to quality assurance and maintain a strong assessment system for their stakeholders.
