ACEN Policies

POLICY #39
High-Stakes Testing

Nursing programs will evaluate their systems of assessment and ensure that their systems demonstrate the following:

• reflect fair testing guidelines.
• demonstrate a positive testing culture that promotes the value of assessment.
• include testing policies and procedures that are accessible, transparent, and consistently administered.
• encourage identification of learning gaps and directs learners to remediation resources.
• prepare learners for future examinations.
• provide opportunities for learners to have frequent practice in assessments. provide data that can be used for analysis.

The ACEN will review a program’s use of high-stakes testing in accordance with the ACEN Glossary definition. Programs are expected to demonstrate how their systems of assessment comply with best practices and how they are aligned to promote student success.

Best practices include the following:

• assessments that are aligned with the curriculum, provide actionable feedback, and provide an opportunity and resources for learners to remediate if necessary.
• frequent and multi-modal formative assessments that provide learners and faculty with feedback.
• an opportunity for learners to practice assessments under testing conditions.
• policies and procedures (e.g., academic progression) that clarify the intended use and frequency of standardized tests.
• opportunities for faculty to review aggregate assessment data that may be used to evaluate curriculum changes.

If a program does not follow best practices and is using high-stakes testing, then the program would be non-compliant with this Policy.