Program Detail

Winston-Salem State University

Human Performance and Sports Science

Dr. Jo Ann Coco-Ripp, Department Chair, Program Coordinator
Email
401 FL Atkins Building
Winston Salem, NC  27110-0001
(336) 750-3459

Accredited Program




The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) program provides curricular and cocurricular experiences for students to become leaders in therapeutic recreation and related professions. Graduates meet requirements to apply for certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Certification and licensure by the state of North Carolina. The program is shaped by these value statements: Healthy recreation and leisure involvement is fundamental for life satisfaction; therapeutic recreation uses recreation and leisure experiences to help people with disabilities and other limiting conditions to recover, develop, maintain, and improve their quality of life; effective therapeutic recreation practitioners are grounded in theoretical concepts and employ evidence-based intervention in all practice settings; the use of high impact practices increase the effectiveness of learning experiences; diversity and inclusion are critical components for the effect delivery of services; and community engagement contributes to healthy lifestyles for all.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students graduating from the course shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the historical, philosophical, theoretical, and scientific foundations as well as the scope and practice of the therapeutic recreation profession.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    A final exam is administered to all students; the 20 multiple-choice questions part of the exam, which is 67% of the final exam grade for the course, is reported for assessment purposes.
  • Result:
    The aggregate score for Fall 22 (n = 15) was 62% and for Spring 23 (n = 19) was 68%.
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    The student will execute specified skills and techniques (e.g. therapeutic communication, sensory stimulation—see list) in simulated or authentic situations at entry-level competence 30/40).
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Skill Competency Rating Scale - From peer, self & instructor ratings for direct observation of 15 specific skills evaluated throughout semester using a 4-component rating scale [Components: 1.Skill execution. 2. Confidence. 3. Responsiveness. 4. Communication] & 4 achievement levels [OUTSTANDING--ABOVE AVERAGE—ADEQUATE--NEEDS IMPROVEMENT], instructor gives a single competency score ranging from 40 Outstanding to 10 Needs improvement across all components
  • Result:
    The aggregate score for Fall 22 (n=14) was 22.71 and for Spring 23 (n=12) was 22.42.
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    The student will analyze one agency from multiple organizational and management parameters.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    All students enrolled in one online organization and management class complete a final capstone agency project with a report. Report includes agency visit, written document and a PowerPoint presentation. Areas of knowledge include current trends/impacts, quality indicators/standards, risk management, organizational culture and mission among others.
  • Result:
    Based on scoring using a rubric with the scale of 0 (Poor or missing) to 25 (Outstanding) with 4 elements [written communication, writing mechanics, content, comprehensiveness] the aggregate score for Summer 22 (n=15) was 77%; for Fall 21(n=9) was 74%; for Spring 23 (n=8) was 72%.