No matter what level for which an assessment is completed, whether a unit, course, or an entire program, the information once analyzed should drive actions toward improvement.
Lesson and unit level actions
Lessons can be defined as the smallest complete instructional elements. Units are grouping of related lessons. If participants fail to meet targets at the lesson or unit level, common actions include assessing content gaps in the presentation of material, development of applied practice, additional support to develop mastery ( scaffolding), and correcting a mismatch between needed mastery level and delivery methods.
Action plans may be needed to address each of these concerns.
Course level actions
If participants fail to meet targets at the course level, common actions include reassessment of the prerequisites, delivery methods and testing methods. Resources may also need to be reexamined. Are resources such as software, references, simulations in place to support the objectives designed?
Addressing these needs is also documented in an action plan.
Program level actions
If program fails to meet global targets, a significant review and examination is needed. Examples include poor completion rates, lower than expected passing rates on licensure exams, and poor performance on program objectives.
Action plans may include internal studies as well as corrective actions related to specific shortfalls.
In a formal review Action plans are included in the assessment report and the related objectives and measures are referenced.
Executive Summary
The conclusions of a program evaluation and the needed actions to be implicated for program improvement are usually summarized in a conclusion section and in a brief executive summary.