Version 4.0 April, 2002
Download the Quality Assurance Plan (PDF format)
The Cisco Networking Academy Program was developed to provide a quality training program for individuals who want a career in networking. To ensure that the quality of instruction is of a high standard at every academy, a Quality Assurance Plan has been developed. This plan incorporates effective program evaluation strategies. These strategies include the following.
This plan clarifies roles and responsibilities all persons related to the Cisco Networking Academy Program. It contains forms for goal setting, collecting and analyzing data, strategies for implementation, and support for continuing education. All data will be collated automatically.
The Cisco Networking Academy model is dependent on a "trainer of trainers" design that provides for two types of training and learners. The first type of training is for those learners who will be instructing others to conduct training. This training includes the following:
The second type of training is for instructors who will be teaching students to become Networking Associates. Their training will include the following:
Systematic opportunities for learning advanced techniques, gaining new skills and learning new technology is necessary in order to maintain the high level of quality of curriculum implementation. CATCs and Regional Academies will provide these opportunities through workshops and on-line training (currently in development stages).
Ensuring high quality at every level is imperative to the success of the Academy Program and to each student who wishes to pursue a career in networking. In order to maintain the quality when changes, such as staff leaving, occur, the assessment of quality must be ongoing.
The quality component strategies listed below allow for that continuous assessment.
All of the quality components must be used together to develop a more accurate picture of the quality of the Academy at every site. Component reports will be collated online and accessed by the appropriate people. Achievement results will be tabulated for each class by the person conducting the training. These data will be "rolled up" for examination by the staff at each higher level. In this way, the achievement data (test scores) will be used to determine the quality of training and instruction at each level.
Quality assurance is an on-going and comprehensive system of operation and is directly related to the vision and goals of the Cisco Networking Academy Program. This plan directly influences the policies, procedures and functions of the Networking Academy Community. It provides evidence and alignment of all quality components while providing intervention, support, and confirmation of all program aspects. All of the information gathered during this process serves as information for Cisco's strategic plan for next year.
Any issues or concerns or questions regarding the Quality Assurance Plan,
please contact Jackie Barker at jabarker@cisco.com.
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