Initial PTE Program Approval

Program Renewal and Evaluation

Initial Program Application

Letter of Intent

Initial Self Assessment Tool

Pathway Program of Study

Renewal Assessment Tool

Renewal Data Analysis Worksheet

"Sample" Self Assessment

Oregon Skill Sets

Program Renewal and Evaluation

Program renewal and evaluation is an integral component of the professional technical education quality assurance process.  Program renewal and evaluation will focus on student success in the program over a period of time.  Renewal and evaluation also measures program effectiveness, including strengths and weaknesses, and serves as a tool for providing assistance and support to help schools improve program quality.  This evaluation framework is based on the premise that there is a direct correlation between student success and program quality.

Program renewal and evaluation will consist of the following essential elements:

• Self-study of existing program using PTE program criteria
• Analysis of PTE student performance data to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Student outcomes are central to program evaluation, especially in determining a program’s effectiveness in helping students meet their goals and objectives.
• Update of PTE program of study sequence
• Identification of targeted activities for continuous improvement

Performance data to be analyzed:

Data elements that reflect both student and program performance are interdependent and are an integral part of the program.  For example, students’ academic performance in a PTE program may be directly linked to the academic standards and rigor of the program curriculum and instruction.

Student performance measures to be analyzed:

• 1S1 Academic achievement—reading, writing and mathematics knowledge & skills
• 1S2 Technical skill achievement
• 2S1 Student attainment of a diploma or recognized equivalent
• 3S1 Student placement in postsecondary education or employment
• 4S1 Access to programs preparing for nontraditional careers for gender
• 4S2 Completion in programs preparing for nontraditional careers for gender

Suggested performance measures for program effectiveness (examples):

• Secondary and post secondary connections, including advanced credit opportunities (e.g. dual credit, Tech Prep).
• Implementation and use of comprehensive guidance system.
• Stakeholder involvement and satisfaction.

Renewal and evaluation process and cycle:

Program renewal and evaluation will occur every four years for a program to maintain standard approval status.  This means programs are approved for a period of four years and the evaluation will occur during the fourth year to determine the program’s quality and eligibility for additional four years of approval.

A renewal and evaluation cycle refers to the length of time a program is approved as a result of an evaluation.  Based on the evaluation results, a program may be required to go through the same process earlier than the typical four-year timeframe.  This will be determined based on the program’s quality and effectiveness, which is established from student data over the four-year period.

Generally the initial program approval process will provide a baseline for programs and will identify a program’s level of readiness and capacity to meet program criteria.  Program renewal and evaluation assists in determining whether programs are successfully accomplishing their goals and objectives in relationship to the program criteria and student success.  It will also provide programs a method for continuous improvement and opportunities for reflection and future planning. 

Applying for Program Renewal

The program renewal and evaluation process will include the following steps::

1. Applicant must complete the and self-score the PTE Program Renewal Assessment Tool.
2. Analyze PTE student performance data using the PTE Program Renewal Data Analysis Worksheet.
3. Applicant must complete the Secondary PTE Program Renewal Application (available in the left hand menu).
4. Submit application and supporting material, including Renewal Assessment Tool to Bill Manley, Regional  Coordinator.
5. The Regional Coordinator will determine the approval status of the program application, notify the applicant of program approval determination, and will forward the program application materials to ODE indicating approval status - standard or developmental.
6. ODE will act accordingly given the determination by the Regional PTE Coordinator.
7. If the program application is incomplete, the application will be returned to the Regional Coordinator with a letter specifying what information is needed before the application process can move forward.
8. For PTE Program approval application technical assistance, contact Bill Manley (bmanley@pcc.edu)  or Karen Jones (kjones@pcc.edu).