An APA group will soon produce a document that will outline for educators benchmarks by which to assess doctoral students’ competency across core psychology areas. Catherine Grus, PhD, reported on the progress of the 32-member Board of Educational Affairs/Council of Chairs of Training Councils Assessment of Competency Benchmarks Work Group during a 2006 ELC session on assessment. Work group members include recognized experts in several aspects of competency-based education, including ethics, diversity, and licensing and credentialing.

At their first meeting in September, group members began drafting the benchmarks document, which they hope to refine through e-mail communications and present for further discussion at this month’s APA Consolidated Meetings, during which most APA boards meet. In addition, the group plans to openly discuss the document at future meetings of education and training councils, said Grus, associate executive director for professional education and training in APA’s Education Directorate.

“We will be seeking input about the document from a broad array of sources, including educators, those in practice, regulators and students,” she said. Ultimately, Grus hopes doctoral programs use the document to enhance education and training by focusing more on student learning outcomes.

—E. Packard