Professional Work Examples

MIT
500

MIT 530 Evaluation and Change in Instructional Development

Context
The Needs Assessment report and Change Management Plan report were written to fulfill requirements of MIT 530.  Both products are focused on solving a real-life problem at the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry where on of our classmates works as the Special Education Coordinator. As a group, we conducted a needs assessment to determine why the rate of IEP compliance was so low. We generated a Training Needs Assessment (TNA), a TNA Stage Planner, and a data collection plan and timeline.

In order to complete the project we had to design Evaluation Instruments, and learned what are the characteristics are of good assessment items. During the needs assessment we analyzed extant data, conducted interviews, implemented a survey, and held a focus group. Through this course we gained experience in statistical analysis of data and how to utilize SPSS software.  Finally, we had the valuable experience of generating a Summative Evaluation Plan.

Conditions
Our teammates was an employee of Cape Fear Center for Inquiry so we had easy access to the extant data that we needed and had immediate orientation to the workings of the school which made the planning and implementation of evaluation instruments a fairly smooth process. 

Scope
The course was set up in an interesting way.  We worked as a team to determine the gap between was is and what should be through the Needs Assessment process.  Then we individually had to write the Change Management Plan to implement the recommendations necessary to bridge that gap.  This was a great way to discover the creativity and individuality, inherent in workplace management. At this point, I am not sure if our teammate followed through with a change management plan however I am curious if Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has experienced an improvement in IEP compliance. 

Role
To complete the Needs Assessment report, we worked in a team of four, including myself. The employee of Cape Fear Center for Inquiry obviously served as the primary liaison with the school but we all worked together on the components of the project. In some cases we split up assignments.  For example, one team member entered the survey results into SPSS but we all came back together to discuss and analyze the results.

Reflection
Low IEP was a very real problem for the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry, therefore it was rewarding to do the work that would be beneficial to so many students, parents, and the Charter School as a whole.  I learned a great deal about the logistical side of Special Education, which was enlightening. This course was rich in content.  I was grateful to have the experience to design evaluation tools and to participate in running a focus group.  These skills transfer to many different fields.  For example, a focus group is a great way for me to gather significant data regarding marketing Cape Fear Museum , and I utilize surveys all the time.  The course also provided a great review on the statistical side of analysis. 

View Needs Assessment Report

View Change Management Report

Site by Suesan Sullivan, UNCW MIT Student
Last Update 10/20/06
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