FAQ Page [back]

• What is a Program Goal or Mission Statement?
  A program goal is a mission statement for the program. A basic competency goal must be present as part of the annual report and relate to the terminal competency of graduates. It must be clear and specific to the level of preparation (entry-level paramedic) and based upon nationally understood definitions. An appropriate program goal may be, "To prepare students as competent, entry-level EMT-Paramedic Practioners."
  


• What does Objective Mean?
  An objective is an observable, measurable behavior. It is an indicator of graduate success in attaining a program goal. There will be an objective for each learning domain (cognitive, psychomotor, and affective) that relates to the program goal and addresses competence in the domains of learning (not test scores).

• What is meant by an Evaluation System?
  For the Annual Report and Part B of the Self-Study, each objective must have two (2) evaluation systems. Each of the evaluation systems should be accompanied with a brief description (eg, a 100 question comprehensive exam, a survey instrument using a Likert scale, etc.)
  
• What does Validity Mean?
  Validity is the assurance that the evaluation instrument is testing the stated objective. Reliability is the assurance that the evaluation system is consistent in testing the objective. The results may be correlated with other instrument.

• What does Cut Score Mean?
  This is the minimal acceptable or passing score based on study or analytical base.
  
• What is the Summative Evaluation?

Each evaluation system must be summative/cumulative. A summative evaluation is one that is given at the completion of the entire program; terminal objectives have been met and the student's ability to achieve the program's goal is being evaluated.  Any exam/evaluation given prior to completion of all phases of the program is not summative, but formative.

• What is the Formative Evaluation?
  Formative evaluation instruments are used as on going measurements of the student's progress during and    throughout the program. These instruments should be used to gain information on short term or segmented objectives - not terminal objectives. Examples of formative evaluations are unit exams, evaluations during and after clinical experiences, evaluations at the end of the didactic portion, etc.