Development Steps
The SACSCOC Handbook for Institutions Seeking Reaffirmation suggests nine critical steps in the development of a QEP:
Step One: Selecting a Topic
(must involve widespread participation by all pertinent institutional constituent groups; should connect to key issues emerging from institutional assessment; relates to enhancing student learning and/or the environment supporting student learning and accomplishing the mission of the institution)
Step Two: Defining the Student Learning Outcomes
(must be specific, focused, and measurable; SACSCOC defines student learning as changes in (1) knowledge, (2) skills, (3) behaviors, or (4) values.)
Step Three: Researching the Topic
(evidence of considering best practices related to the topic)
Step Four: Identifying the Actions to be Implemented
(evidence of careful analysis of institutional context in designing actions capable of generating the desired student learning outcomes)
Step Five: Establishing the Timeline for Implementation
(a logical calendar of all actions to be implemented)
Step Six: Organizing for Success
(clear lines of responsibility for implementation and sustainability)
Step Seven: Identifying Necessary Resources
(human, financial, and physical resources; including costs for any necessary faculty development, learning resources; needs to be sufficiently detailed; should identify the source of the funds)
Step Eight: Assessing the Success of the QEP
(need details: names of assessment instruments, timelines for their administration, processes for the review of the assessment results; multiple strategies, quantitative and qualitative, internal and external measures; valid and reliable; primary emphasis given to the impact of the QEP on the quality of student learning; comprehensive assessment plan should include a system for monitoring progress throughout the implementation and a process for using the results to improve student learning)
Step Nine:Preparing the QEP for Submission
(due four-six weeks prior to the on-site visit)