2023 CAA Standards Revisions: Session 3
September 28, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
This event is designed for program directors and faculty of academic programs that are accredited by or hold candidacy status with the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Members of the CAA and the accreditation staff will be available to answer your questions about the upcoming standards change, which goes into effect on January 1, 2023.
Programs who will be submitting their applications for initial or re-accreditation or submitting an annual report in February 2023 are encouraged to attend.
Panelists
- Mary Sue Fino-Szumski, PhD, MBA, CCC-A, CAA Chair-Elect, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education, Vanderbilt University
- Gale Rice, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2022 Chair of the CAA, Professor and Dean, Fontbonne University
- Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw, MA, CCC-SLP, CAE, ICE-CCP Director of Accreditation Operations, ASHA
- Donna Smiley, Chief Staff Officer for Audiology, ASHA
- Kelly Velasquez, Associate Director of Site Visit Operations, ASHA
This free event is open to all ASHA members and non-members. It is not offered for PDHs, CMHs, or ASHA CEUs.
Following is the transcript from this text-based event (no audio or video).
ASHA Moderator
Welcome to the 2023 CAA Standards Revisions Session 3 live chat.
We will be getting started shortly. However, before we begin taking questions, I would like to make a few administrative comments.
- Please keep in mind that this is a web chat and, therefore, there is no audio.
- Questions are typically posted one at a time, in the order they are received.
- Upon formulating a response, panelists will post answers to your questions.
- To ensure we get to as many questions as possible, we ask that you please begin typing them in now.
Okay, it's officially time to start. Panelists, please introduce yourselves.
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Hello everyone! My name is Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw, MA, CCC-SLP, ICE-CCP, CAE. I am ASHA’s Director of Accreditation Operations. I am joined today by Gale Rice, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2022 Chair of the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and Mary Sue Fino-Szumski, PhD, MBA, CCC-A, CAA Chair-Elect.
Dr. Rice is the dean of the College of Education and Allied Health Professions at Fontbonne University and a professor in the graduate program in speech-language pathology. Dr. Rice has also been a CAA site visitor in the past.
Dr. Fino-Szumski is Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education at Vanderbilt University.
Also joining us are Donna Smiley, ASHA’s Chief Staff Officer for Audiology and Kelly Velasquez, ASHA’s Associate Director of Site Visit Operations.
We are excited to be with you all today to answer any questions that you have about upcoming revisions to the 2017 Standards, which go into effect on January 1, 2023. We will do our best to answer as many questions as possible during this session. If we do not get to your specific question in real-time, we will answer it as soon as possible after the session closes, and it will be posted to this page.
If you find that you have additional questions after participating in today’s chat or reading the transcript, please feel free to email accreditation@asha.org. We are always happy to help!
ASHA Moderator
Thank you panelists.
Again, I would like to remind everyone that there is no audio for this chat - it is text based only. Also, this chat will be available for viewing after it has concluded.
Okay, I will now begin posting the questions.
Question 1: Submitted by Nelly
Is there a brief overview of the changes that will be in effect in January 2023?
Kelly
Yes! The CAA has two resources available to programs who want an overview of the changes that go into effect on 1/1/2023. You may view the Quick Reference to the 2023 Standards Revisions (https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/2023-accreditation-standards-a-quick-reference-guide.pdf) or the Side by Side Comparison for Changes to Be Implemented (https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/side-by-side-revisions-to-standards-for-accreditation-2023.pdf) for more information.
Question 2: Submitted by Mike
Our program already had a virtual site visit. When can we expect to have the on-site portion and what will it consist of?
Kelly
If you had a virtual site visit in the past two years, you can expect a follow-up, typically one-day site visit (if one professional area) to be scheduled over the next two years. Staff will reach out to request dates approximately 3 months prior to expected date of visit, and then schedule it with a member of the original virtual SV team.
Details on what is included in the follow-up site visit can be found in the Accreditation Handbook, under the Site Visit section.
Question 3: Submitted by Susy Keller
And to follow up from Mike, what sort of lead time will we have to prepare? I have been told our on-site is likely late Spring 2023 or Summer but when will we be assigned a specific date? Thank you.
Kelly
Staff will reach out to request dates approximately 3 months prior to expected date of visit, and then schedule it with a member of the original virtual SV team. As soon as you receive the request for dates for the follow-up visit you can begin preparations. But keeping in mind, the follow-up SV will not be assessing all of the standards compliance.
Question 4: Submitted by Bridget Russell
Standard 3.4a & b - What types of metrics have programs used to meet this new standard?
Mary Sue Fino-Szumski
As with all standards written in the CAA’s Standards for Accreditation, Standard 3.4 is written in broad terms to provide the accredited programs the flexibility of meeting the standards in ways that are suitable for the diverse needs of their students. While the CAA is not prescriptive in stating specifically how a program must meet each standard, the CAA has provided the following guidance and examples of what may be used to demonstrate compliance. These suggestions are not exhaustive; rather, they give suggestions that could be suitable for documentation.
Examples of program activities, student experiences, and assignments that may demonstrate compliance with Standards 3.4A and 3.4B include:
Demonstrated quadrangulation of student performance
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-
- Capstone projects
- Programmatic data analysis
- Programmatic self-reflection
- Workshops and learning opportunities for students and staff
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Additional information and examples are available on 2023 Standard 3.4A and 3.4B Guidance to Programs at https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/2023-standard-3.4a-and-3.4b-guidance-to-programs.pdf.
Question 5: Submitted by Carolyn Ford
As programs cannot use the Praxis as a summative measure of performance to meet Standard 5.2, would final projects completed in EACH of the students' courses, be sufficient as a summative measure or is a culminating exam, rubric, etc. required once students complete the program?
Kelly
The CAA does not specify a format or type of summative assessment for programs to use, but defers to each program to identify what meets their program needs. An exam is not prescribed as a required summative assessment, no. There are some examples of types of summative assessments on the CAA website.
Examples of program activities, student experiences, and assignments that may demonstrate compliance with Standards 3.4A and 3.4B include:
-
-
- Demonstrated quadrangulation of student performance
- Capstone projects
- Programmatic data analysis
- Programmatic self-reflection
- Workshops and learning opportunities for students and staff
-
Additional information and examples are available on 2023 Standard 3.4A and 3.4B Guidance to Programs at https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/2023-standard-3.4a-and-3.4b-guidance-to-programs.pdf.
Question 6: Submitted by Lauren Bland
Since effective 1/2023 employment rates won't have to be reported, can that section of student outcome data be deleted from web page on 1/1/2023?
Gale Rice (she/her/hers)
Hello Lauren! It is up to the university to include that section after 1/1/2023.
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
To add on to Gale's answer, the program is not required by the CAA to post employment data. However, institutional policies and/or state licensing boards may continue to want to display this information.
Question 7: Submitted by Amanda Simmons
If we are going through the reaccreditation process currently with a site visit to come in Spring 2023, when will our site visit dates be scheduled (ballpark)?
Kelly
Staff will be sending out an availability survey, requesting dates and identification of conflicts of interest in about a month (by the end of October). We typically schedule re-accreditation visits between February 1 and April 15.
Question 8: Submitted by Jessica
Revision to Standard 3.1.6B: The program must include content and opportunities to learn..."clinical counseling skills appropriate to the individual, family members, caregivers, and others involved in care." Suggestions for specific resources/training to offer graduate students for education on clinical counseling?
Gale Rice (she/her/hers)
Many programs offer course content in counseling. Others guide students to take coursework in counseling offered by other departments within the university.
Donna Smiley
And don't forget to check out the ASHA Practice Portal: Counseling For Professional Service Delivery (https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/counseling-for-professional-service-delivery/). Some great resources there that can be used in your program.
Question 9: Submitted by Gabriella Musacchia
Standard 6. Not so much a question on changes but on existing standards. Do we include fringe benefits on faculty/staff salaries in Standard 6? Also, the amount for "Current Year" for this report is the actual spend for FY21-22, correct?
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Hello Gabriella! The CAA's standards do not prescribe what must be included. The university typically will send a program their financial data which is then used in the annual reports or application information. We do not record itemized information.
Regarding "Current Year," most programs include the planned budget for the current year. The overall intent of the standard is to ensure that the program has adequate financial support to continue, and that there has not been huge changes from year to year. If there is a change, then the program must provide an explanation.
Question 10: Submitted by Ashley
Will this chat be downloadable in transcript form at the end of the event?
ASHA Moderator
No, the transcript is not downloadable, but it will be available for viewing on this page at the conclusion of the chat.
Question 11: Jennifer B.
Where can programs preparing for reaccreditation find what to prepare/gather for the process?
Kelly
The CAA website has information about preparing for a site visit at https://caa.asha.org/site-visits/program-preparation/
In addition, the CAA will be pre-recording a session at the ASHA Convention titled - CAA Site Visits: What to Expect and How to Prepare, session 2120V and will be available in the virtual Convention library Thursday, 11/10 – Monday, 11/28.
Question 12: Submitted by Evan Usler
Hello, I have a question about a particular standard: Standard 5.2. We have a capstone that is not comprehensive in nature and is evaluated solely by academic faculty (not by clinical faculty). It is working well and we don’t want to alter it if we don’t have to - and students feel that another major final evaluation would be quite stressful. Most of our classes have small high feedback (formative) assignments along the way followed by a midterm or final that is summative in nature. Most but not all classes have a clinical faculty member and an academic faculty member involved in instruction and assessment/feedback at both stages. Clinic is also structured to include a midterm (formative) meeting and a final summative evaluation for each assignment. Is that sufficient for meeting this standard? If not, what aspects are deficient? What we are doing is systematic but not a single procedure that is uniform for all aspects of the program and it is NOT comprehensive in nature. Do we need for the evaluations to be a single evaluation conducted program wide/ that is comprehensive?
Gale Rice (she/her/hers)
Your assessment strategies include both formative and summative assessments at the class and clinical level. If those are tracked as such per experience the requirement appears to be met. The capstone is just another form of assessment and it is at the discretion of the program.
Kelly
In addition, to clarify the part of your question about sufficiency in meeting the standard, re individual course assessments, those would need to be tracked over the course of the program in order to be summative in nature. If your program chooses to also include a single comprehensive evaluation, that is up to you.
Question 13: Submitted by Jill Preminger
In the 2023 accreditation standards it is written: The Praxis cannot be used by programs to demonstrate compliance with this standard (Standard 5.2– Summative Assessments).
Our students complete a 1st year qualifying exam a 2nd year qualifying exam and the Praxis is their 3rd year qualifying exam. Can we continue to require the completion of the Praxis taking into account that we have two other qualifying exams?
Mary Sue Fino-Szumski
According to the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the Praxis series was developed to assess an individual’s knowledge, skills, and readiness to enter independent practice in their respective professions. The Praxis has not been validated for use as a program summative assessment, thus the CAA cannot accept it as such. As long as the Praxis is not the only form of summative assessment, it may be used.
Question 14: Submitted by Jayanti Ray
We have a graduate comprehensive exam (with all multiple-choice questions) contributed by all graduate faculty members. We also have an oral capstone clinical case presentation. Are these two measures ok for a summative eval of students? Do we need to add more?
Gale Rice (she/her/hers)
Yes they are Jayanti. It is up to your program if you would like to add more.
Question 15: Submitted by Manish K. Rami
Following up on 5.2 -it appears that same or similar documentation might work for 3.4a & B and 5.2. Is that correct?
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Some of the documentation used to show compliance with each standard may overlap, however there are other requirements per standard that also should be included.
For your convenience, the CAA has created a resource document for Standard 3.4 A/B and Standard 5.2. Here are the links:
Question 16: Submitted by Peggy Blake
What is the typical timeline for reports & site visits? For our cycle, the initial report is due Feb 1 (in lieu of annual report). Are the site visits generally in the fall following that report?
Kelly
Site visits occur the semester after the (re) accreditation application is submitted. So if your application is due 2/1, your site visit will occur between 9/15 and 12/1 of the following semester. Staff will reach out for availability in May 2023.
Question 17: Submitted by Gabriella Musacchia
Standard 5.8 Does CAA offer require that the Praxis pass rate threshold refer to first-time pass rate?
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Thank you for your question. The Praxis pass rate threshold refers to the pass rate for the number of test takers over a three-year period. The CAA does not require that programs differentiate between first-time test takers, however programs are welcome to track that data from their own purposes.
Question 18: Submitted by Whitney D. Perkins
The revision for Standard 3.1.6B states "engagement in self-assessment over the duration of the program to improve effectiveness in the delivery of clinical services;" Are there any suggestions on self-assessments for off-campus practicum sites?
Mary Sue Fino-Szumski
Many programs develop their own self-assessment tools to be used by students. Some programs use the same evaluation used by supervisors as a self-assessment tool. Students share these completed documents with supervisors.
Donna Smiley
...and back to the ASHA Practice Portal - there is a Portal page regarding Clinical Education and Supervision - https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/professional-issues/clinical-education-and-supervision/. Check it out to see if there are useful resources there to support your work.
Question 19: Submitted by Jennifer B.
I just noticed that the CAA Handbook was updated August 2022. Does the CAA notify programs when the handbook updated and what the updates are?
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Hello Jennifer. Following updates to the Handbook, programs are notified in several ways including Accreditation Connection (the CAA's newsletter) and Chair Chats. If you are not receiving the newsletter or invitations to the Chair Chats, please reach out to accreditation@asha.org., and we are happy to add you to the email list.
Question 20: Submitted by Dale Williams
Before our spring site visit, will there be materials due to the CAA? If so, will we receive a timeline outlining what you need & when?
Kelly
Yes. If you submitted your application in August 2022, you should receive a letter within the next month that includes the results of an initial review of your application (Initial Observations, or IOs). Thirty days prior to your site visit, you are required to respond to those IOs, as well as provide updated faculty information. In addition, program materials and documentation must be provided to the site visit team, usually in a shared access location, 30 days prior to the site visit.
Supplemental Documentation
If any changes in faculty have occurred since the submission of the application or if the CAA has specifically requested updates in its Initial Observations, please forward to this office at least 30 days prior to the visit an updated Faculty Summary. The Faculty Summary should reflect the current faculty that the visitors will be meeting during the course of the visit.
If there have been other significant changes in your program since your last correspondence with the CAA, please note these updates in your written response to the CAA Initial Observations Report. The CAA Initial Observations Report is provided to you as a separate communication. The program’s response to the CAA Initial Observations Report should be sent to caareports@asha.org no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled site visit.
Supplemental Documentation
If any changes in faculty have occurred since the submission of the application or if the CAA has specifically requested updates in its Initial Observations, please forward to this office at least 30 days prior to the visit an updated Faculty Summary. The Faculty Summary should reflect the current faculty that the visitors will be meeting during the course of the visit.
If there have been other significant changes in your program since your last correspondence with the CAA, please note these updates in your written response to the CAA Initial Observations Report. The CAA Initial Observations Report is provided to you as a separate communication. The program’s response to the CAA Initial Observations Report should be sent to caareports@asha.org no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled site visit.
Also, your site visit confirmation letter includes a timeline.
Question 20: Submitted by Meg
When will the 2017-Revised standards be posted?
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Thank you for your question! It is best practice in accreditation to post only one set of standards at a time to avoid any potential confusion. As such, the 2017-Revised standards will be posted in December, closer to 1/1/2023.
Until then, you may view the Quick Reference to the 2023 Standards Revisions (https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/2023-accreditation-standards-a-quick-reference-guide.pdf) or the Side by Side Comparison for Changes to Be Implemented (https://caa.asha.org/siteassets/files/side-by-side-revisions-to-standards-for-accreditation-2023.pdf) for more information. These resources include the standards that have been revised.
ASHA Moderator
I am afraid we are out of time. Perhaps the panelists have something they would like to say in closing?
Gale Rice (she/her/hers)
Thanks so much everyone for your thoughtful questions.
Gretchen Ehret Hoshaw
Thank you to everyone who attended. This page will be available as a resource shortly after the close of this session. If you have additional questions, please reach out to the Accreditation team at accreditation@asha.org. We are always happy to assist you.
Also, the Accreditation team and members of the CAA will be in person at the Academic-Researcher-International Square in the Convention Hall in NOLA! We hope to see you there!
Kelly
Just a reminder - for any questions about your anticipated follow-up, in-person site visit, or your to be scheduled re-accreditation, candidacy, or initial accreditation site visit, please reach out to me directly at kvelasquez@asha.org
Mary Sue Fino-Szumski
Thank you for your participation.
ASHA Moderator
Thank you all so much for your great questions and comments and thank you, panelists, for your time and great information! This chat will be available for viewing on this page immediately after it has ended.
Thank you again and have a great afternoon everyone!
