THE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATOR TRAINING IN THE ABHES
ACCREDITATION PROCESS
A POLICY STATEMENT
The importance of the challenge you have undertaken to serve ABHES as an evaluator, whether in the capacity of program specialist or team leader, cannot be understated. You are the eyes and ears of the ABHES Commission. You represent ABHES; not only as an evaluator, but given the grave importance of the evaluation process to accreditation itself, what you say and do and your abilities as an evaluator is reflective of ABHES. ABHES is committed to ensuring each evaluator has the necessary background and experience and is thoroughly trained to carry out this important function.
Minimum qualifications:
Team Leaders - (a) at least two years of related education or administrative experience (b) suggested previous service on site visits with ABHES or other recognized accrediting agencies; and (c) Knowledge of and ability to review: student refunds, clock/credit hour conversion and allocation, satisfactory academic progress, and general compliance with federal regulations required to be evaluated by accrediting agencies.
Program Specialists - (a) at least two years of related experience; (b) appropriate educational background, (c) credentialing in the field, as applicable, (d) evidence of teaching or development of curriculum or service as a practitioner, and (e) evidence of currency in the field through active participation in the profession
Submission requirements (prior to serving on a team)
1. A signed statement agreeing to adhere to the ABHES statement of confidentiality, Disclosure and Recusal Concerning Actions Involving Potential Conflicts of Interest.
2. A completed Evaluator General Information, Expertise, & Training Form.
3. A current resume or vitae which must document all educational and experiential background, including specifically the minimum qualifications aforementioned.
Team leaders used for the evaluation of an academic associate degree or bachelor’s degree program must hold a credential beyond that being evaluated and possess the necessary educational and/or experiential background to effectively evaluate the degree.
Minimum training requirements
New evaluators:
Level 1 – Review of ABHES Evaluator Training Workshop Manual, submission of Assessment following review, and participation in the ABHES Mentorship Program (pairing a seasoned evaluator with a new evaluator, allowing for in-depth conversation, including time for questions and answers, both before, during, and after the evaluation visit).
Level 2 – Participation in on-line training and participation in the ABHES Mentorship Program as described above.
Level 3 - Participation in an on-site, including regionally conducted, Subject Specialist or Team Leader Training Workshop.
Experienced evaluators who have not participated on a visit in three (3) years:
Level 1 – Review of ABHES Evaluator Training Workshop Manual, submission of Assessment following review, and participation in the ABHES Mentorship Program (pairing a seasoned evaluator with a new evaluator, allowing for in-depth conversation, including time for questions and answers, both before, during, and after the evaluation visit).
In all cases, all evaluators will have the ABHES staff at their sides during school visits, to answer questions and direct the evaluator as necessary. The team leader will also be a great source of information.
Of utmost importance to ABHES is that it provides the necessary information and tools to its evaluators so that they may accomplish the evaluation task effectively and in accordance with ABHES guidelines.
Thank you for all you do for ABHES!