Evaluating Student Learning Outcomes in Counselor Education

This timely text describes the role of program evaluation in counselor education and provides step-by-step guidance for faculty seeking to develop comprehensive Student Learning Outcome (SLO) evaluation plans to meet accountability expectations. It serves as a blueprint for demystifying the SLO process and making the switch from an input-based measure of productivity, focusing on what counseling programs do, to an outcome-based approach concentrating on the quality of learning through evidence-based assessment of students knowledge and skills. This book will not only help educators become more involved in using data to promote student learning and competence, it will foster improvements at the program level as well. By proactively establishing SLO plans, counselors can build stronger programs, increase the rigor of teaching and learning, and ultimately promote more effective client services. The first and second parts of the book lay the foundation for the SLO process and provide practical guidance for identifying and developing direct and indirect measures of student learning. Part III focuses on technical assistance for creating measures; collecting, managing, and reporting student data; and using data to ensure competence and enhance quality. In Part IV, counselor educators across the country offer hands-on application through a wide variety of SLO activities and rubrics linked to each of the curricular and specialty areas of the CACREP Standards.