Capstone (Assessment)
What is assessment?
Assessment involves evaluating academic performance and the overall effectiveness of an institution. It answers the questions: How does the College know that students are learning, and how does it know that the goals and objectives of the institution are being met?
Why did CCMS develop CAP?
CCMS wants to ensure that students are learning, to improve instruction, and provide evidence of the program's success.
How is assessment conducted?
1. Two major surveys - the Entering Student Survey (ESS) and the Survey of Student Opinions (SSO) offered by ACT Testing. The ESS is completed by new freshmen students (first quarter in October and April) and the SSO is completed by students about to graduate (fourth quarter in February and August). These surveys allow assessment of the academic program, instruction and curriculum, the facilities, and overall institutional effectiveness.
2. Individual course assessment - conducted by course instructors. This includes (but is not limited to) exams, quizzes, papers, projects, and presentations. In addition, students complete course evaluations at the end of each quarter in which they are asked to indicate whether the course objectives have been met. Students also provide instructors with feedback about specific aspects of the course, and instructors use feedback to improve teaching.
3. Assessment in the clinical program - conducted by the clinical faculty. This includes (but is not limited to) case report forms, journal records, instructor/student interaction in the clinical setting, and informal discussions.
4. The National Board Exam (NBE) - administered by the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. Students take the NBE at the conclusion of the Associate's degree program.
In what other ways is assessment conducted?
CCMS highlights three capstone experiences which allow for a qualitative assessment of student learning. The fourth quarter course, Funeral Directing Applications, allows instructors to assess skills in the areas of embalming, funeral directing, counseling, and management which cannot be measured effectively through traditional course exams. During fifth quarter, the Funeral Service Practicum is an opportunity for students to begin putting knowledge and skills together by participating in all areas of work in a funeral home environment. Finally, students create professional portfolios which showcase coursework, employment and other activities.
CCMS periodically surveys alumni about their experiences at CCMS. CCMS also maintains a file of notes, letters and e-mail messages from alumni who want to update their progress and share feedback about the College. When students leave CCMS, either by withdrawing or graduating, an exit interview is conducted.
How can students participate in the assessment process?
All students are included in the assessment process by participating in the various activities described above. In addition, students are encouraged to offer informal feedback to faculty, staff and administration during one-to-one and small group discussions.
Each year the CAP committee includes several student representatives as well as recent alumni. Recently, the following students served on this committee: Seth Gasche, Jerry Kinley, Kelly Kookoothe, and Kathleen Shaffer.
For questions or comments about CCMS assessment activities, please contact CAP Chairperson, Teresa Dutko at (513) 618-1928 or TDutko@ccms.edu.