Evaluating an Assessment Tool for Undergraduate Social Work Education: Analysis of the Baccalaureate Educational Assessment Package

Victoria Buchan, Colorado State University
Roy Rodenhiser, Rochester Institute of Technology
Grafton Hull, University of Utah
Marshall Smith, Rochester Institute of Technology
John Rogers, Mount Mercy College
Cathy Pike, Indiana University
JoAnn Ray, Eastern Washington University

Abstract

The Baccalaureate Education Assessment Package (BEAP) was developed to assist undergraduate social work educators with program evaluation. The package consists of 6 instruments for student, graduate, and employer feedback and addresses questions related to program processes and curriculum. The BEAP objectives include assisting baccalaureate social work programs with meeting accreditation assessment standards and providing a national database for comparative purposes. In 2001, approximately 30% of baccalaureate programs nationwide were using the package. A review of assessment literature is provided, and the package is evaluated using a checklist of characteristics of good assessment.