Learner Assessment and Program Evaluation: Supporting Precision Education.

Area of Science:

• Educational research
• Data analytics in education
• Program evaluation

Background:

• Precision education (PE) integrates data and analytics into educational interventions for better learner outcomes.
• PE utilizes continuous feedback loops, incorporating analytic results into the education process.
• PE operates at individual, program, and system levels, with this article focusing on program and system applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of program evaluation in demonstrating educational effectiveness within PE.
• To examine existing national feedback mechanisms and emerging multi-organizational PE initiatives.
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for advancing PE at program and system levels.

Main Methods:

• Review of program evaluation research linking training to patient outcomes.
• Analysis of national reports providing feedback to educational programs and institutions.
• Description of two emerging multi-organization PE efforts at program and system levels.

Main Results:

• Program evaluation is crucial for providing evidence of educational effectiveness in PE.
• Existing national reports and emerging initiatives demonstrate the application of PE principles.
• Challenges in PE implementation highlight the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration and data sharing.

Conclusions:

• Advancing PE requires increased cross-disciplinary collaboration and a national data-sharing effort.
• Practical approaches for funding a national PE initiative and models for field advancement are proposed.
• Lessons learned from successful initiatives underscore the potential of recommended PE strategies.