SLAT 572 - Language Program Evaluation: Policies, Standards and Practice

This course is designed to introduce students to the key theories, approaches, and concepts governing academic program evaluation and accreditation processes as they apply to language programs broadly and to language institutions as applicable. Topics will include the importance of the mission statement, processes and standards for curricular development, the role of good assessment in language program evaluation, faculty qualifications, professional development and management standards, and language program review processes, as well as the documentation and implementation of program review processes. The course will revolve around weekly readings, interpretation of relevant standards within varied environments of accreditation for each topic, and dialogical discussions regarding each topic in class. An online forum (D2L) will further the discussions in class and support classroom learning. The course is designed for students anticipating leadership roles in educational administration and will lay the groundwork for a future practice that is comprehensive, systematic, and practical.