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School of Social Work: Gerontology Program 2016 Assessment,2017 Plan
Dr. Rosalie Otters
Gerontology Program Coordinator
School of Social Work
May 10, 2017
The Gerontology Program consists of multiple parts: Electives for both undergraduates and graduates, the undergraduate gerontology minor and the graduate gerontology certificate.
We have graduated three students a year with the graduate gerontology certificate last year and will have at least another three graduating this year.
Most students take gerontology electives rather than complete the graduate gerontology certificate. However for each of the past two years 124-125 students have taken at least one gerontology course. Some of these students have taken multiple gerontology courses. These students are both undergraduates and graduates, social work and other CEHP students, some out- of-state and even students outside UA Little Rock.
For 2016 these are the numbers of students who took at least one of the three gerontology core courses:
- Social Gerontology: 24 students (14 graduate and 10 undergraduate students)
- Aging and Social Policy: 15 graduate students
- Health and Biology of Aging: 20 graduate students
Below is a summary of the Gerontology Program for 2016. It is to be noted that the Gerontology Program Coordinator does not get release time for this coordination and continues to teach a full teaching load of three classes, both in social work and gerontology, graduates and undergraduates.
Gerontology Program 2016
- In 2016 there were 124 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in a Gerontology class or the GERO Certificate Program
Spring 2016: Health and Biology of Aging SOWK/GERO 7320 (20)
Social Gerontology SOWK/GERO 4310/5310 (24) = 44
students
Summer 2016: Social Aspects of Death & Dying (20),
Animal Assisted Therapy (10) = 30 students
Fall 2016: Social Policy and Aging SOWK/GERO 7321 (15)
Adult Development and Aging (SOWK/GERO 5337/4337, 22
students)
Introduction to Aging and the Elderly (GERO 2300, 13 students) =
50
Gerontology Program Updates:
- 3 graduate students completed the graduate certificate (1 Spring 2016, 1 Summer 2016, 1 Fall 2016).
- 11 additional students admitted into graduate certificate program at this time.
- 1 student seeking Gerontology undergrad minor.
Since I have been coordinator there has not been a call for an assessment until now. The previous assessments are out of date. My plan to assess our program:
- 6 competencies with 20 associated practice behaviors have been developed out of the 2015 EPAS from the Council on Social Work Education measurement for reaccreditation. In addition I have reviewed the AGHE (Association of Gerontology in Higher Education) for additional competencies/ practice behaviors. The Gerontology Competencies/ Practice Behaviorlist is attached.
- I plan to measure these competencies/ practice behaviors which are listed in the course
outline for the three core gerontology courses required of all graduate gerontology certificate students. These courses also have an average of about 20 students per course and two of the courses only have graduate students. The remaining course (Social Gerontology) had in 2016 about 60% graduate students. See attached for abbreviated course outlines with the required competencies/practice behaviors and an evaluation grid.
- Longer term I hope to be able to use an adapted social work evaluation tool, SWEAP, for a pre and post test survey of gerontology student demographics, interests, experience and post graduation career. Attached is some preliminary information and draft on using this instrument. SWEAP will be used by the School of Social Work itself for upcoming evaluations.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
School of Social Work
School of Social Work: Gerontology Program
3 core courses to be measured by assignment grid:
- Social Gerontology
- Aging and Social Policy
- Health and Biology of Aging
Assignment/ evaluation grid for competencies/ practice behaviors are at the end.
Social Gerontology Core Course #1
12/ 28/15
SOWK/GERO 4310/5310
Social Gerontology
Semester Credits: 3 credits
Online class: 990
Prerequisite: Undergraduate or Graduate Admission
Dr. Rosalie V. Otters
Office Hours: Monday 12:30 – 4:30, Tuesday 12 or by appointment
501-569-3012
I. DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
This course explores the social aspects of aging – how do older adults affect society and how does society affect older adults? The interaction of older adults with society is examined along with many of our social institutions such as family, healthcare, government, and the economy. Also examined are the issues associated with our aging population and how those issues affect people of all ages. A number of current controversies associated with our changing population structure will be discussed in class.
II. OBJECTIVES OF COURSE
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to understand that aging is a life long process, starting from birth and culminating at death, with variable affects determined by both social and personal resources and perspectives.
By the end of this course the student will be able to:
.
- Describe and assess the bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of aging (Practice Behaviors 6.4-6.6 for Competency 6).
- Understand social gerontology theories (Practice Behavior 2.2 for Competency 2).
- Specifically identify the inter-relationships between the micro, mezzo, and macro levels in the life course perspective (Practice Behavior 2.2 for Competency 2).
- Identify the values, tasks and role of the gerontology professional (Practice Behaviors 1.1 and 1.2 for Competency 1).
- Understand the significance of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and religion on personal health (Practice Behavior 1.2 for Competency 1).
- Know and analyze the most important health, life course and life style issues
for older adults (Practice Behaviors 6.1, 6.2, and 6.5 for Competency 6)
- Describe caregiving concerns and priorities (Practice Behaviors 3.2 for Competency 3; 5.1 for Competency 5).
- Identify social policies needed to address social problems on an aging society (Practice Behaviors 3.1 and 3.2 for Competency 3).
- Understand the historical, contemporary and cutting edge issues of social gerontology
(Practice Behavior 2.1 for Competency 2; Practice Behavior 5.1 for Competency 5).
- Develop an awareness of the need to understand end-of-life issues as both a social and a personal concern (Practice Behavior 1.3 for Competency 1; Practice Behavior 2.2 for Competency 2.
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK/GERONTOLOGY PROGRAMS
AGING AND SOCIAL POLICY: Core Couse #2
FALL 2015
COURSE OUTLINE
rev 8/2015
SOWK/GERO 7321.990
Semester Credits: 3
Prerequisite: Graduate status
Instructor: Dr. Rosalie V. Otters
e-mail:
I. DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
Thiscourse offers an overview of aging and social policy issues, especially at the state and federal levels of government, as well as non-governmental agencies and organizations. The aging network, healthcare including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as Social Security and retirement financing are highlighted. The course begins with a historical perspective on how we have gotten to our present health care policies. The course then describes the aging network as well as the programs and services for the older adult that comprise this network. Many of these stem from the Older Americans Act legislation (1965 and its subsequent amendments) which provide home and community-based services to older adults in their communities. Services for older adults include volunteer and intergenerational programs, education programs, senior center and recreation, employments programs, income programs, nutrition and meal programs, legal service, transportation, and housing. Specific to health care are promotion, mental health services, care management, home care services, respite service and long-term care services.
II. OBJECTIVES OF COURSE
Students will demonstrate:
1. Understanding of who older adults are and why all helping professionals should be
knowledgeable about this population (practice behavior 1.1 for competency 1;
practice behavior 6.1 for competency 6).
2 Knowledge of the historical and present programs, services and issues for the aging
network (practice behaviors 3.1, 3.4 for competency 3; practice behavior 4.1 for
competency 4).
3. The ability to differentiate among key theories of democracy and social justice as
they define aging policy issues for all Americans (practice behavior 1.2 for
competency 1; practice behavior 2.2 for competency 2).
4. Understanding of older adult housing issues, including long term care (practice
behavior 3.1, 3.2 for competency 3).
5. The ability to critically and ethically differentiate diversity and pluralism variables
as they impact age including race/ethnicity, class, gender/sexuality, religion/
spirituality, and ability (practice behavior 2.2 for competency 2; practice behavior
3.2 for competency 3; 6.6 for competency 6).
6. The ability to analyze the role of government and the role of individuals regarding
the main social, political and economic issues today in the healthcare and Social
Security debates (practice behavior 4.4 for competency 4).
7. Knowledge of the "nuts and bolts" of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security
(practice behavior 6.1, 6.3 for practice 6)
8. Application of the main issues regarding at least one of the following: Medicare,
Medicaid, and Social Security and how they affect all Americans (practice behavior
4.3 for competency 4).
9. Basic understanding of present day health care laws and how they affect individual
Americans, especially those older or in poorer health (practice behavior 6.1, 6.2 for
competency 6).
Each practice behavior of each competency is to be measured through the discussions, quizzes, service learning, oral presentation and final paper.
University of Arkansasat Little Rock
School of Social Work
Graduate Gerontology Program
Core Course #3
Spring, 2017
Instructor: Janet Nelson, MA Health and Biology of Aging Contact: Semester Credits: 3 Credits Graduate or Undergraduate Admission (501) 412-5683 (mobile)
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
What is old age? When does old age start and youth end? When I get old. Do I have to be unhealthy? This course considers the biology of aging, health assessment and the promotion of health among older adults. Theories and models of health behavior change in the context of the aging individual. Specific health related behaviors such as exercise and nutrition as well as social and emotional support are also examined as they relate to the older adult. Understanding the consequences of aging and the extension of life expectancy requires an understanding of the interrelationship of biology and behavior. Research on “normal” aging over the life span offers the potential of understanding the changes that occur with age. This understanding can be used to anticipate and cope with the physiological and behavioral functions that are altered by the aging process in ourselves and others. This course examines physiological and epidemiological studies of disease and aging in addition to an alteration in sensory perception, muscle function, etc. Finally, issues of interventions, realistic expectations, and ethics are also examined.
OBJECTIVES OF COURSE
Health and Human Aging is a core course for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following competencies.
1.Understand and Apply Ethical and Theoretical Perspectives as well as Gerontological Values (Practice Behavior 1.2 for Competency 1; Practice Behavior 2.2 for Competency 2).
2.Understand and Apply Gerontological Perspectives (Practice Behavior 2,1 and 2.2 for Competency 2)
3.Analyze Needs and Resources: Aging Services, Programs, and Policies (Practice Behavior 3.1 and 3.2 for Competency 3)
4.Develop and Apply Critical Thinking (Practice Behavior 4.3 and 4.4 for Competency 4)
5.Develop Beginning Care Management Skills: Assessment and Intervention (Practice Behavior 2.1 for Competency 2; Practice Behavior 5.2 for Competency 5; Practice Behavior 6.5 for Competency 6).
6.Identify Aging Developments, Technology and Trends (Practice Behavior 5.1, 5.2 for Competency 5.
7.Identify and Assess potential Health, Life Course, and Life Style Issues (Practice Behaviors 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 for Competency 6).
Gerontology Core Courses Assignment Grid: Measuring Competencies/ Practice Behaviors
(need to review units and assignment evaluations with those teaching courses. Evaluation by discussion, quizzes, presentation, paper, experiential/service learning report)
Competency / Practice Behavior / GERO CoreCourse / Course Unit / Evaluation by
Assignment
#1Understand/apply
GERO values & ethical
perspectives / 1.1assess/address values/biases
regarding aging / *Aging /Social Policy
*Health/Bio / Unit 1 / Quiz,
Online discussions
1.2 Knowledge of ethical principles / Social GERO
1.3 Understand end-of-life issues / Aging/Social
Policy / Unit 1 / Quiz, Online discussions
1.4 Diversity among older adults / Social GERO
#2 Understand/apply GERO theoretical / 2.1 GERO multi-disciplinary / *Social GERO
* Health/Bio
2.2 GERO perspectives/theories / * Aging/Social Policy
* Health/Bio
#3 Develop resources/needs / 3.1 Continuum from community to resources / *Aging/Social Policy
3.2 Policies, regs, programs impact / *Aging/Social Policy
#4 Critical thinking / 4.1 Contributions to society/planning programs / *Social GERO
*Aging/Social Policy
4.2 Importance of eval media reps of aging / *Social GERO
4.3 Experiential/service learning / * Aging/Social Policy
* Health/Bio
4.4 Older pop impact/ impacted by social/political / *Aging/Social Policies
4.5 Synthesize theories of positive aging/personal def. / *Health/Bio
#5 Aging information, tech, trends / 5.1 Changing demographics of aging / Social GERO
5.2 Information/adaptive tech to enhance function, independence/safety / *Health/Bio
#6 Health, life course, life style issues / 6.1 Health policy issues/ impact on life/ life course / *Aging/Social Policies
6.2 Impact of aging society on U.S. health care system / *Aging/Social Policies
6.3 Retirement requirements / * Aging/Social Policies
6.4 Common threats to loss of independence / *Health/Bio
6.5 Healthcare definitions of health/illness / *Health/Bio
6.6 Disabilities and rights of older adults / *Health/Bio
Graduate Gerontology Certificate
6 Competencies and 20 Practice Behaviors
Complied from EPAS 2015 (CSWE, Council on Social Work Education accreditation) and AGHE (Association of Gerontology in Higher Education standards)
rev 5 17
Competency 1: Understand and apply gerontological values and ethical perspectives
Practice Behavior:
1.1 Assess and address values and biases regarding aging
1.2Knowledge of general ethical principles and accountability as well as how they relate to professional practice in gerontology
1.3 Understand end-of-life issues related to dying,death and bereavement
1.4 Respect diversity among older adults (e.g. class, race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, religion/spirituality, ableness
Competency 2: Understand and apply gerontological theoretical perspectives
Practice Behavior:
2.1 Understand gerontology as multi-disciplinary—studying aging
developmentally from biological, psychological, social and
religious/spiritual perspectives. Study gains and losses, strengths and
challenges.
2.2 Relate gerontology perspectives and theories to practice with older adults
(e.g.: ecological, diversity, strengths, resources)
Competency 3: Develop resources and needs
Practice Behavior:
3.1 Understand the continuum from community to national resources:
programs and policies
3.2 Identify how policies, regulations, and programs differentially impact older
adults and their caregivers, particularly among historically disadvantaged
populations (e.g. women and elders of color)
Competency 4: Develop and apply critical thinking
Practice Behavior:
4.1 Recognize contributions aging persons make to society and to
planning/designing programs
4.2 Understand the importance of evaluating popular media representations
of aging
4.3 Take part in experiential and service learning projects with useful service
and focused reflection
4.4 Examine how an older population impacts and is impacted by major social
and political issues
4.5 Synthesize theories of positive aging and formulate a personal definition
Competency 5: Identify aging information, technology and trends
Practice Behavior:
5.1 Recognize changing demographics of aging
5.2 Understand information and adaptive technology to enhance older
adults’ function, independence, and safety.
Competency 6: Identify and analyze health, life course and life style Issues
Practice Behavior:
6.1 Identify health policy issues in the U.S. and their impact on quality of life
and the life course
6.2 Analyze the impact of an aging society on the nation’s health care system
6.3 Identify retirement requirements for this phase of life
6.4 Identify common threats to loss of independence: falls, medication
management, lifestyle
6.5 Know the basic healthcare definitions of perceived health and illness, e. g.
Chronic and acute illness, prevention and adaptation
6.6 Understand disabilities and rights of older adults. Identify prejudice,
discrimination and stereotypes in the broader understanding of ageism.
UALR School of Social Work
Gerontology Program
Generalist Certificate Program: 18 credits
3 Core Courses and 3 Electives:
6 Competencies/ 30 Practice Behaviors based on curriculum grid
Core Courses
- Social Gerontology GERO/SOWK 5310
(Demographics, global aging, present and future trends)
Competencies/Practice Behaviors
Competency 1: Understand and Apply Gerontological Values and Ethical
Perspectives
Practice Behavior:
1.4Respect diversity among older adults (e.g. class, race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, religious/ spirituality, ableness)
Competency 2: Understand and Apply Theoretical Perspectives
Practice Behavior:
2.1 Understand gerontology as multi-disciplinary—studying aging
developmentally from biological, psychological, social and
religious/spiritual perspectives. Study gains and losses, strengths and
challenges.
Competency 4: Develop and Apply Critical Thinking
Practice Behavior:
4.1 Recognize the contributions aging persons make to society and to
planning/designing programs.
4.2 Understand the importance of evaluating popular media representations
of aging.
Competency 5: Identify Aging Information, Technology and Trends
Practice Behavior:
5.1 Recognize changing demographics of aging
2Aging and Social Policy GERO/SOWK 7321
(Resources and programs, ethical issues, healthcare)
Competencies/Practice Behaviors
Competency 1: Understand and Apply Gerontological Values and Ethical Perspectives
Practice Behavior:
1.3Assess and address values and biases regarding aging
1.4Knowledge of general ethical principles and accountability as well as how they relate to professional practice in gerontology
Competency 2: Understand and apply gerontological theoretical perspectives