Laying a foundation for evaluating curricular performance: tools of the trade

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Curriculum Evaluation
• Standardized Testing

Background:

• Effective curriculum evaluation is crucial for optimizing resources and student success in nursing programs.
• Key metrics for program quality include student satisfaction, retention, graduation rates, and licensure examination pass rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a systematic process and tools for evaluating baccalaureate prelicensure nursing curricula.
• To demonstrate the utility of Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI™) standardized testing for curriculum assessment.
• To provide a framework adaptable for other standardized testing products.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a proactive and systematic curriculum evaluation process.
• Utilizing HESI™ standardized testing for both formative and summative assessment.
• Developing tools to demonstrate achievement of core concepts and role competencies.

Main Results:

• The evaluation approach supports cost-effective resource utilization.
• Contributes to improved student satisfaction, retention, graduation rates, and NCLEX pass rates.
• Facilitates demonstration of program quality to internal and external stakeholders, including licensing and accrediting bodies.

Conclusions:

• A systematic, standardized testing-based approach enables proactive curriculum evaluation and continuous improvement.
• This method provides a robust vehicle for demonstrating program quality and meeting accreditation standards.
• The described process is a vital component of a comprehensive undergraduate nursing program evaluation framework.