Laying a foundation for evaluating curricular performance: tools of the trade.

A proactive and systematic approach to evaluating curriculum success supports the cost-effective use of student and organizational resources by contributing to improved student satisfaction, retention and graduation rates, and high pass rates on the NCLEX®--all measures of program quality. This article describes a process and tools for evaluation of baccalaureate prelicensure curricula using HESI™ standardized testing. The approach is both formative and summative and can be easily adapted for use with other standardized testing products.