An Integrative Framework for Developing Comprehensive Examinations to Measure Student Social Work Competencies

ABSTRACT

Social work and other professions are endeavoring to promote student proficiency with respect to core competencies of the discipline, and the attainment of these competencies must be demonstrated objectively in some way. This article provides an illustrative guide for social work educators seeking to develop comprehensive examinations to assess students’ acquisition of professional competencies, particularly at the master’s level and across generalist and specialization levels of practice. An integrative framework is presented, highlighting 5 central stages of examination development: planning, creating and implementing, evaluating, revising, and perpetuating. These stages are illustrated with a case example, followed by key conclusions, methodological considerations, and other implications for moving forward on efforts to effectively develop examinations to measure student social work competencies.

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Notes on contributors

Todd M. Jensen

Todd M. Jensen is research associate and Kimberly J. Strom-Gottfried is the Smith P. Theimann Distinguished Professor for Ethics and Professional Practice at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.