Initiated in March, 1998, the Competencies Update Project (CUP) was designed to determine what health educators do at the entry and advanced levels of practice today. In order to establish valid and verified health education competencies aligned with entry and advanced-level practice, it was important to determine the degree to which previously defined roles and competencies of entry-level health educators were still up-to-date (reverification), while continuing to verify the advanced-level competencies. The findings have direct implications for professional preparation, certification, professional development, and continuing education for health education specialists. During mid-2000 through early 2001, preparation and pilot research took place in Iowa, New York, Oregon, and Texas, states selected due to their regional distribution and demographic distinctions. A random sample of 400 individuals per state was drawn from varied mailing lists secured from the states. Each potential participant was sent a letter and a one-page Background Information survey via postal mail or e-mail. Responses could be returned via postal mail or through a website. After 3 weeks, reminders were distributed via postal mail and e-mail. A telephone follow-up survey was conducted with 100 randomly selected non-respondents. The adjusted response rate from the 4 states was 29%. Of the respondents eligible to participate, 95% agreed to participate in the full survey. Seventy-three percent of the respondents were employed in elementary, secondary or college-level educational settings. Although over 98% of the respondents had internet access, only 36% indicated a preference for an internet-based survey versus a mail survey. Another pilot phase will be initiated March-May, 2001.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe the Competencies Update Project. Participants will be able to explain the problems associated with conducting a national reverification project for roles and responsibilities of health educators.
Keywords: Professional Development, Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.