Peer Reviews

Peer reviewers have sufficient general education and special training specific to a professional discipline to form a solid foundation for program evaluation. The amount and kind of such education and training depends upon the type and level of program to be evaluated. Evaluators may be either generalists or content specialists who are themselves practitioners or educators within the field of training represented by the program.

Questions about the Peer Review process or becoming a Peer Reviewer? Contact us at 844-GO-CAATE or by email at prc@caate.net

Training

Peer reviewers receive formal and organized training through workshops of various lengths conducted by the CAATE Peer Review Committee.

Attitude

Effective peer reviewers demonstrate maturity, objectivity, diplomacy and dedication. They project an image of professionalism both in behavior and in appearance. Peer reviewers appreciate the confidential nature of the task and understand the need for self-initiative, for a cooperative attitude, for an analytic approach to the task, and for necessary degrees of flexibility.

Knowledge

Effective peer reviewers have an appreciation of the current status of the occupation involved and of the entire accrediting process. They have sufficient general and special background to be able to exercise appropriate judgment. In addition, effective visitors thoroughly understand the educational standards being used and what constitutes deviation from or non-compliance with those standards. It is imperative that peer reviewers be totally familiar with the content of the Self-Study Report and related materials provided to them prior to the Site Visit.

Skills

Peer reviewers are skilled in interviewing, in interpersonal communications, in self-expression, in note-taking and in maintaining objectivity. They are skillful in dealing with attitudinal problems that may be presented by those being interviewed. Through experience and education, peer reviewers have developed capacities for deductive reasoning and for logical analysis. They are skilled in writing and accurate in recall.

Peer Reviewer Dismissal Policy

Although the CAATE Peer Reviewer is receiving an honorarium, it is considered a volunteer position. Dismissal of a peer reviewer may take place if a peer reviewer is unprofessional, has poor evaluations, demonstrates inappropriate behavior, or fails to adhere to the policies and procedures. The CAATE reserves the right to dismiss a peer reviewer if his/her services are no longer needed for any reason. In this event, the peer reviewer will be notified in writing.

Application Process

Qualifications

In order to be considered as a peer reviewer potential applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Current certification and be in good standing with the Board of Certification (BOC), athletic training state credential (if applicable), or other current health care provider license
• Current or past affiliation with the CAATE, a CAATE accredited program, experience with higher education accreditation, or experience as a health care clinician
• Evidence of a commitment to athletic training education as documented through previous academic, scholarly, or service activities
• No evidence of unprofessional behavior or practice sanctions

Peer Reviewer Application Process

The CAATE accepts applications periodically for individuals interested in contributing to the advancement of education in athletic training by serving as a CAATE Peer Reviewer. Peer reviewers will address the responsibilities below for Professional Degree or Residency programs. Persons interested in applying to be a peer reviewer must meet the above qualifications and be willing to complete the following: 

Duties, Roles, and Responsibilities for Peer Reviewers

1. Complete yearly Peer Reviewer Profile updates
2. Complete Comprehensive Programmatic Reviews as Assigned
3. Complete all required reports and documentation in a timely fashion (e.g. Peer Review Reports, expense reports, quality assurance documents, etc.)
4. Stay current with all Peer Review Trainings
5. Invitation to renew based on assessment of performance via the Quality Assurance Process and feedback from the Peer Review and Review Team committees.