Planning For Curriculum Renewal And Accreditation Under Abet Engineering Criteria 2000

Abstract

This paper presents a set of integrated methodologies for the enhancement of engineering academic programs and for preparation for accreditation review under ABET Engineering Criteria 2000. The Curriculum Renewal Methodology builds on a base of strategic planning, and provides alternative approaches for analysis of the content of existing curricula and the development of new curricula. The Accreditation Preparation Methodology builds upon the selection of program objectives for an engineering program and moves through selection of outcomes, outcome indicators and criteria, and the development of systematic processes for program assessment and improvement. The development of these methodologies was sponsored by the NSF funded SUCCEED Engineering Coalition. This paper describes software and reference guides that have been prepared to facilitate use of the methodologies, notes linkages between the two methodologies, and reports on applications of the methodologies at universities within the SUCCEED coalition. * Review constituent inputs (1) and performance data (2) * Review constituent inputs and performance data * Review current Program Educational Objectives and * Review current Program Outcomes, Outcome Indicators, consider possible changes and Criteria and consider possible changes * Evaluate candidate program changes and plan for * Review progress in implementing selected changes implementation of selected changes Spring Semester Spring Semester * Conduct mid-career alumni focus group session * Conduct employer focus group session * Prepare summary report on program assessment and * Prepare summary report on program assessment and improvement efforts improvement efforts Summer