Peer Reviewers

Background

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.

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.

Physical Factors

The physical condition of the peer reviewer permits them to do whatever is necessary to conduct the visit in the particular locale and within the specified period.

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 Peer Review Committee 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.