On an ongoing basis, the CAA measures the effectiveness of the accreditation process through internal and external accreditation program and CAA audits, performance assessment mechanisms, and surveys of accredited programs and related stakeholders. Results are then analyzed in order to identify areas of future focus to improve the program.
Based on detailed feedback from programs, the CAA continues to assess the effectiveness of its reporting platform in order to realize efficiencies, reduce redundancies, and assess compliance with accreditation standards. The overall goals of any changes made to the existing platform in the coming year are to improve operational performance as well as stakeholder experience.
The CAA will be examining its communications with programs, focusing on timeliness, clarity, and intended audience, in order to better serve its stakeholders. Of note are recent initiatives to focus on new program directors—what they need to know and when, in regards to CAA’s processes and their accreditation status, along with the ways to include clinical faculty in communications and preparations of the program’s accreditation activities.
The CAA implemented new accreditation standards on August 1, 2017. The CAA continues to assess the effectiveness of those standards at measuring program quality. The CAA examines how programs, in the aggregate, are meeting the standards and areas where further guidance, interpretation, or resources are needed. Revisions were made effective April 1, 2019, after opportunity for peer review, to better clarify CAA expectations in regards to faculty. There is opportunity for programs to provide feedback on any standard that requires further interpretation or guidance via the post-site visit evaluation survey. The CAA’s Standards Committee reviews any comments received and determines where additional resources or revisions may be needed.
As part of its 2019–2021 Strategic Plan, the CAA plans to increase services and resources for existing and developing programs. Some of the planned strategies include the development of workshops and educational modules for new program directors, programs up for re-accreditation, as well as programs in development. The CAA continues to explore opportunities for two-way interaction and partnership with programs, through a variety of mechanisms.
Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives and more via ASHA Convention sessions and the Accreditation Connection e-newsletter.